Here is how desk massage works and why setting up an office massage session could improve morale and productivity
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Workhappy
For employees who regularly work with display screen equipment (DSE), massage therapy could be incredibly beneficial for the back, neck and shoulders. If you want to boost your team’s health and wellbeing, arranging a desk massage day could be a fantastic step.
What is a desk massage?
While a full-body massage requires you to lie on a table, a desk massage is simply a seated massage that can take place at your desk. A qualified massage therapist will gently work on your neck, shoulders and upper back to release tension and any knots. The best part is that the massage will be fully-clothed and at your desk or workstation so there’s no need to worry about travel time or undressing.
Like any other form of massage, this variety uses touch, pressure and soft tissue manipulation to help reduce stress, relieve aches and pains, and lift your mood. A standard massages take up to 90 minutes – and busy office workers often can’t regularly spare an hour and a half, especially during the week – but a desk session enables employees to enjoy all the benefits of massage in an expedited timeframe of just 15-to-30 minutes meaning staff can get straight back to work with minimal disruption to the day.
How can desk massage sessions benefit my team?
As well as being quick and convenient, seated desk massages can do wonders for your team’s health, wellbeing, and productivity.
Reduced aches, pains, and strains: DSE workers often spend hours hunched over a laptop or computer monitor, which can lead to aching muscles and a range of desk injuries. While a DSE assessment can evaluate your employees’ workstations and make them more ergonomic, a workplace desk massage can reduce any lingering aches and pains. Organising regular desk massage sessions can keep muscle soreness, strain and other common back problems at bay.
Boosted energy and motivation: aches and pains, too much screen time, a lack of movement and muscular tension can all lead to fatigue. Massage is a great way to combat this – it helps increase blood flow to muscles and brain, giving a welcome energy boost. This can help employees to feel refreshed and alert and also means they’re more likely to feel motivated. Alongside the physical benefits, workplace desk massages show that an employer cares and wants to support their team’s wellbeing.
Increased productivity: a positive company culture, fostered through employee benefits like desk massages, leads to greater productivity. Being more alert enables employees to tackle challenges more effectively and manage their workloads more efficiently.
Reduced sick days: desk massage can increase productivity in another way, too – by reducing sick days. A build-up of physical, mental and emotional stress can result in employees needing time off to recuperate. A report commissioned by the British Beauty Council indicates that touch and massage therapy in the workplace could save the UK £10.5bn.
Stress relief: no matter what industry you’re in, long hours and heavy workloads can cause stress levels to rise. However, switching off and receiving a massage can lower the heart rate and encourage relaxation – just 15 minutes of massage inhibits the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. In fact, taking regular breaks is highly recommended for all DSE workers, so whether it’s a walk to the coffee station or a 15-minute massage, short intervals of respite throughout the day can do wonders for wellbeing.
Improved team happiness and morale: as well as relieving stress and physical discomfort, massage is a real mood booster. It encourages the body to release feel-good endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which can reduce signs of anxiety and depression. Moreover, arranging workplace desk massage sessions for your team shows that you care – feeling appreciated and looked out for can help employees stay motivated and driven.
How often should you arrange desk massage services?
How often you arrange workplace desk massages is down to you – you may offer it as a treat for your team to celebrate a big win but, to get the most out of the positive effects of massage, we recommend looking at regular desk massage days.
Weekly sessions can help your employees start the week with a positive attitude or unwind at the end of it and regular massage days can also reduce the risk of strain and desk injuries. When combined with an ergonomic workstation, your team should be all set up to work comfortably and productively.
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