Top 6 ways massage can improve productivity in the workplace

​Low levels of productivity and efficiency can threaten the sustainability and survival of your business.

One way of dealing with it is to increase productivity which should help your company’s revenue to grow.

But here is another: massage can improve your business’ bottom-line:

Low levels of productivity and efficiency can threaten the sustainability and survival of your business.

One way of dealing with it is to increase productivity which should help your company’s revenue to grow.

A myriad of techniques to achieve this have been identified by organisational behaviourists and business consultants. But I want to tell you about the top six ways therapeutic massage can improve productivity in the workplace.

Yes, that is what I said, massage!

I know it is usually associated with the leisure and pampering industry but massage has been shown to benefit body and mind and consequently our performance in every aspect of our lives including the workplace.

Here is how massage can improve your business’ bottom-line:

1. Massage reduces stress levels by lowering stress hormones and encouraging relaxation 
We know that relaxed, alert and comfortable business owners / managers /employees are more creative, more productive and tend to be absent less often.

2. Massage encourages body awareness
Being aware of how our nervous systems respond to pleasurable or negative stimulation from the external environment prevents us from being overwhelmed. If you can identify why you are feeling either joyful or stressful, you can respond to it appropriately. A massage treatment is the ideal opportunity to assess your body-mind state and to recharge.  

And for those people receiving medical and psychological treatment for depression and anxiety, massage can support them by reducing negative mood states.

The more relaxed a person is the better they are able to deal with emotions such as fear, anticipation and worry and this improves productivity.

3. Massage improves posture
The majority of occupations require us to sit at desks and in front of computers for long periods. Then we go home and slouch in front of the television screen or in bed working on our laptops or tablets.

The result?  Aching shoulders, necks and backs.

In the long run, a sedentary lifestyle affects posture causing discomfort, chronic pain and immobility which gets worse as we get older.

Massage relaxes and softens tight, overused muscles. It reduces spasms and cramps, help manage pain and increases joint mobility.

4. Massage encourages sound sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial to sustain energy levels, productivity and sound decision-making. Not sleeping enough is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.

But it also affects safety, morale and people’s ability to deal with stress. Poor sleeping patterns are often the underlying cause of work-related accidents causing injury and disability at great cost to the company.

It can also weaken people’s self-control leading to unethical conduct like theft, bribery and lying as well as socially undesirable behaviour such as rudeness and taking needless risks.

Massage helps to reduce stress levels and physical discomfort and encourages quality sleep. In turn sleeping well help repair muscle fibres, supports the immune system and our ability to heal body and mind and emotions.

5. Massage emphasises wellness and accountability
The massage therapist acts as a wellness consultant emphasising fitness, good eating, sleeping and other health habits as well as the advantages of good and safe posture.

Also as a primary care practitioner, she can alert you to signs and symptoms requiring attention and refer you appropriately. A good example is identifying suspicious moles, growths, sores that change shape, size or colour and which doesn’t heal.

6. Massage benefits the immune and digestive systems
When it comes to energy conservation, the body is as frugal as your company’s financial manager. In times of stress, to make energy available to the heart, muscles and lungs, the body suppresses the the digestive and immune systems.

In the short term this is a prudent move but when high stress levels become constant the decreased digestive system activity leads to among others gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome.  An inactive immune system increases the risk of colds, flues etc.

Research by the John Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center  has shown that massage helps you relax which gives your body an opportunity to restore normal immune and digestive system function.

So rather than an indulgence, look at a massage treatment as an investment in your business.
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In the long run moving, sleeping, concentrating, judging and feeling better will be reflected in the business’ bottom line.

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