When HR teams look for ways to improve staff morale, reduce stress, or to increase productivity, chair massage is often overlooked. Yet it's one of the simplest and most effective employee wellness solutions available.
What is Chair Massage?
Chair massage is a short, fully clothed massage that targets the upper back, neck, shoulders, and arms. It usually takes about 15 minutes per person and conveniently, can be performed in almost any workplace setting. You don't need a spa, a special room or even space for a large massage bed. A quiet corner is all it takes for our licensed massage therapists to set up the portable massage chair.
The benefits of chair massage at work extend well beyond relaxation and a quick pick-me-up for your team. It is impactful and supports employee wellbeing by improving mental clarity, reducing physical strain (often caused by long hours spent at the desk), and encouraging a healthier workplace culture. You'll find that after a quick 15-minute chair massage, employees will return to their tasks with more focus, better energy, a sense of calm and a refreshed mindset.
What the Research Tells Us
For the skeptics reading, you might be wondering how a massage can do anything more than bring a little relaxation, but the research says that chair massage packs a greater punch than that. A study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that a 15-minute chair massage reduced anxiety more effectively than a 15-minute break. The same study showed that as a result, participants performed math problems more quickly and with greater accuracy after their session and just one chair massage led to improvements in brain function, mood, and job performance.
This is valuable information for HR leaders looking to improve workplace performance across the board, while supporting employee health. When your team feels better physically and mentally, they are more focused, more engaged, and less likely to burn out, and the research on chair massage proves it.
Why Chair Massage Works in Any Office
One of the advantages of corporate chair massage for employees is that it's flexible. You don't need a wellness suite or dedicated treatment room. A pop-up chair in a break room, meeting space, or corner office works just as well. These sessions require no oils or disrobing, which helps employees feel comfortable and relaxed, especially for those who are completely new to massage therapy.
Chair massage can be offered as a one-time benefit as part of a wellness event, for example, or as a recurring activity as part of your corporate wellness programs. It works well during peak stress periods like budgeting season, end-of-year deadlines, or major launches, but it's also a wise idea to regularly include it as part of your staff benefits, whether at an ultra-discounted rate or fully paid for them.
The Cost of Stress in the Workplace
Stress takes a toll on both employees and organizations and the impacts are far-reaching. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 65% of U.S. workers have characterized work as being a very significant or somewhat significant source of stress, while 83% of U.S. workers overall suffer from work-related stress and 54% report that work stress affects their home life. So, not only does stress affect an employee's concentration, decision-making, and overall morale, for most people, it impacts their life outside of work, too. Devastatingly, a 2015 study published in the Management Science Journal found that workplace stress causes more than 120,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Stress reduction isn't just a nice-to-have in the workplace, its paramount for the health and survival of your people, as well as the longevity and reputation of your organization.
The good news is that stress reduction is accessible and easy to implement as part of your workplace health solutions. Chair massage has been proven to help lower stress levels and gives employees a moment to pause and reset. This improves their energy and focus, which benefits both short-term productivity and long-term retention. We know that when employees feel cared for, they are more likely to stay and perform well, but when their stress is reduced, they are able to actually do so.
An Investment That Pays Off for HR Leaders
Chair massage supports corporate well-being initiatives by offering a fast, cost-effective way to promote wellness and relieve stress. It's easy to implement and consistently delivers a high level of satisfaction among staff (it's our most popular wellness activity!). Whether you are building an employee wellness program from the ground up or enhancing what you currently provide, chair massage will fit into your overall strategy.
Did you know that for every $1 spent on supporting mental health, employers see a $4 return in productivity? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says so, and a four-times return shows that there is an enormous wellness ROI for HR leaders
Chair massage also serves as a strong complement to other employee wellness solutions. Many organizations pair chair massage with on-site fitness classes for employees, like yoga or Zumba, or more holistic approaches such as guided meditation, or nutritionist-led workplace cooking demonstrations focused on healthy eating. These combined services create an environment where staff can manage stress and recharge during the workday, and most importantly, feel as though they are being supported.
If you're searching for wellness providers near you but don't know where to begin, our chair massage sessions are a great place to start. We work across the USA and throughout most of Canada, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
Wellness That Delivers Long-Term Value
Wellness ROI for HR leaders is clearly seen in reduced absenteeism, lower health care costs, and higher engagement. But it also is found in the moments that show your team they matter. Offering chair massage is a practical way to demonstrate your commitment to your workforce's well-being, and is easy to facilitate and achieve. This means that you'll achieve a great impact, with minimal disruption to your regular workflow and without having to dedicate a lot of physical space to do so.
With our network of the best workplace wellness providers, Excel Wellbeing Solutions is your trusted partner to bring wellness to your workplace. We help companies introduce practical wellness services that deliver real results. From massage and mindfulness to lunch and learns, nutrition sessions and therapy dog visits, our corporate wellness services are designed to meet your team's needs and your organization's goals.
Reach out today to find out more about our employee wellness solutions.