Corporate Reflexology

Well-being in the workplace Whatever the size of your business, it makes sense to look after your biggest asset – your employees. Stress is universal and common challenge to organisation and employee productivity; it is the reality of modern day workplace. Stress contributes to decreased employee overall performance, high error rate, high staff turnover and absenteeism due to health problems such as anxiety and depression.

The theory behind reflexology is that it balances the various systems of the body, reducing activity in those areas working too hard whilst increasing activity in those areas that are a bit sluggish. By relaxing the structure of the body through the therapeutic touch provided by reflexology, blood circulation functions more effectively, which helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products more effectively. There are many health and financial benefits, both to the company and the employees.

Evidence suggests that companies really benefit from looking after the wellbeing of their employees by bringing in on-site Reflexologists. Research in Holland found that one company saved £110,000 due to a reduction in sickness and increase in productivity.

Staff attrition costs money, with replacement personnel not only being expensive to find, but also the retraining required has an offset cost in productivity. By offering reflexology, your staff retention may benefit as employees that feel supported are more likely to stay. Far better to keep the staff you have healthy, happy and loyal.

In terms of your employees, reflexology can help alleviate many of the problems associated with working in modern offices and workplace. Staying in one place causes the muscles to tighten, which can result in reduced blood flow to the area (e.g., tight neck muscles means reduced blood to the head, which could lead to headaches, pain, a tight jaw and sinus problems). Reduced blood flow to any part of the body can cause sluggishness, tension, and pain and, if it affects the digestive system, illnesses like IBS and stomach ulcers can be triggered. According to the Office of National Statistics, musculoskeletal problems cost more than 30 million work days in 2013.

Also, as stress is commonly reported as the main contributor to physical and mental health problems, a complementary therapy like reflexology helps to keep stress to a minimum and stress-relieving strategies can be suggested to employees, enabling them to cope and remain both happy and healthy.

There are many ways in which an on-site Reflexologist can be established. For example, treatments can be as short as 15 minutes or can last as long as an hour. Some companies subsidise treatments for their staff, some make a contribution and others ask that their employees pay, but allow them the time to book a treatment in their working day.

If you would like to discuss how a wellbeing package can be tailored to your company please contact Penny to discuss how Corporate Reflexology could work for you and your employees.