WORK RELATED STRESS

The Australian work place has changed dramatically over the past few years. As corporate downsizing continues, more tasks are being performed by fewer workers, adding to an already stressful working environment.

Workplace stress results in lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and job-related accidents. Realising that preventative measures are needed in today's environment of increasing health care costs, business and corporations are investing heavily in wellness programs for the workplace. Many companies have found that investing in on-site massage can be an important part of a successful wellness program.

 Some of the signs of stress include -

· Pain or tightness in the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders

· Physical problems associated with repetitive tasks

· Jaw clenching

· Irritability

· Fatigue or insomnia

· Hypertension

· Upset stomach and ulcers

· Tension headaches or migraines

· Frequent, tearful outbursts

 What exactly will massage do for the body?

Accumulated stress and tension always diminishes your energy and vitality. The rejuvenating effects of a massage in the middle of a workday may surprise you. The massage therapist's touch can:

· Invigorate as it loosens tense muscles and stimulates circulation.

· Enhance the ability to think and concentrate as the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and body is increased.

· Help employees feel alert, refreshed, and ready to get back to the job.

· Educate staff about where they store stress and tension and how it affects them.

· Alleviate some of the pain of chronic job-related conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Sessions may be utilised to have specific problem areas addressed by the therapist.

 
What exactly will the program do for the company? 

· Boosts morale

· Increases productivity

· Shows employees that employers care

· Reduces stress-related illness

· Reduces absenteeism

Will employees be too relaxed to work after massage?

No, just the opposite, controlled studies at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that workers who received short chair massages demonstrated increased accuracy and speed in math computations and decreased levels of anxiety, while workers who only rested for the same period of time did not.  Studies show that short massages, lasting 15 minutes, or less, recharges and refreshes, while longer massages crosses the threshold that causes the body to go into a different state of relaxation.

How does this service operate?

On a designated day  -  weekly, fortnightly, monthly, etc - an appropriate area is set aside and staff are attended to in 15 minute blocks. An appointment sheet is distributed at an earlier date so that staff may book an appropriate time that suites their schedule. This alleviates the problem of having people standing around waiting their turn.

Muscle Tone does require a minimum of 3 hours, which equates to 12 clients at 15 minute appointments.

All therapists carry full professional indemnity insurance and are members of professional associations.

Who pays for the service?

It varies. Some organisations pay for the their employees, some share the cost with their staff & others allow the individuals to pay for themselves. Either way bringing massage therapy to the workplace is a win-win for any company and it's employees.

What does Seated Massage cost?

Costs vary according to the individual requirements of each company and the duration of each session may vary from 10 to 30 minute sessions, with a minimum of three (3) hours required.

Muscle Tone can also arrange for seated massage at your conferences, staff training seminars or as staff incentives.

‘STRESSED’ 
turned around spells
‘DESSERTS’

Give your employees
‘Healthy Desserts’!