Corporate Massage
Early in 2004 I read an article in a "trade" journal regarding the amount of working days lost due to self-reported, work-related, illnesses such as stress, tension and musculoskeletal disorders. The figures were astounding. Here are a few examples.
In 2003/4, an estimated 29.8 million working days were lost through self-reported work-related illness. Stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of these working days lost, with a combined total 24.6 million. Musculoskeletal disorders (in particular, those affecting the back and upper limbs) were the most commonly reported work-related illness, with an estimated 1,108,000 people ever employed affected. An estimated 11.8 million working days were lost with an average numbers of days taken off work was 19.4 days per case.
Stress, depression or anxiety was the second most commonly reported work-related illness with an estimated 557,000 people ever employed affected. An estimated 12.8 million working days were lost with an average number of days taken off work was 28.5 days per case.
Other self-reported work-related illnesses in 2003/4 include headaches and/or eyestrain (affecting 37,000 people ever employed).
Full report can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Armed with this information, I approached several local companies to offer two types of service:
- One day, on-site, 10 minute neck and shoulder massages to employees whilst they continue to work at their desks, thus providing the opportunity to release any tension or stress with little or no disruption to the normal running of the office. This option has worked extremely well SAGA offices in Thanet and Folkestone, where I have provided this service. The cost was bourne by the company who considered it a worthwhile investment in their staff.
- One day, weekly visits to companies to offer a wide range of 30 minute treatments to employees. This option is preferred by Silent Gliss where I work between 6½ and 7 hours each week. The company contribute half the cost of treatment, the employees the remainder.
Both of these services are available to local companies, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss either with anyone who is interested.