Massage at work

Wenn Sie bei Rückenschmerzen oder Verspannungen an Nacken und Schultern keine Massagepraxis aufsuchen können, kommt der Masseur eben zu Ihnen an den Arbeitsplatz. Englische Begriffe dazu finden Sie hier.

In the past, most people in the West viewed massage as a luxury: a special treat when you wanted to spoil yourself, or as part of a spa weekend. These days, many companies and business leaders are realizing that massage can play a major role in keeping their staff relaxed, happy and healthy, which in turn leads to less absenteeism and more creativity and productivity.

Look around the workplace. What do you see? People hunched over their desks or workstations, glued for hours to their screens. Others are constantly running from one place to another, while some employees stand for hours on end. Still others, such as drivers, do the opposite, spending long hours sitting tensed at the wheel. And look at that person carrying all those files or lifting that heavy box — that must be bad for their back!

But who has the time to go for a massage? The days are full enough already, without adding another appointment. That’s why many massage therapists offer on-site massages during working hours. The therapist typically makes a contract with the company, and employees schedule a 15-minute massage during breaks. As most staff are unlikely to strip off for a full-body massage with relaxing music and aromatherapy oils during working hours, the therapist will usually bring a portable massage chair that enables them to provide a massage that focuses on the typical problem areas of neck, shoulders and head, while their client remains fully clothed.

During this short but welcome break, employees can turn off their overworked brains, free their thoughts and take time away from the problem they are trying to solve, or remove themselves from an annoying situation (or colleague). And when they go back to work, they’ll likely do so with a clearer view of the bigger picture, and with increased alertness, speed and accuracy.

Studies have shown that massage can reduce major stress hormones such as cortisol, which is linked to high blood pressure, and increase serotonin, which relieves stress and makes us feel happier. Having a longer, relaxing massage — perhaps in a calm environment with aromatherapy oils — the evening before a presentation or important meeting can help you sleep better and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to deal with the next day’s tasks.

So, next time you feel like your work situation is getting to be too much for you, instead of reaching for cigarettes or coffee, consider getting a massage. And if you don’t think you have time for a massage, then you definitely need one!