Frequently Asked Questions
» What is workplace On-Site chair massage?
On-Site Chair massage is a type of massage designed to address the stress-reduction needs of the workplace. A Certified Massage Practitioner performs a 15-minute neck and shoulder massage with the employee fully clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. The seated massage session is structured to elicit a “relaxation response” in the neck and shoulder muscles, the key areas where employees experience stress from repetitive tasks like keyboarding and telephone work. Combined with soothing low-key music and simple aromatherapy, a seated massage session triggers a relaxing and energizing response.
» How does On-Site chair massage differ from massage therapy?
Massage ‘therapy’ is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist, a medical professional who has been trained to treat injury and provide rehabilitation after injury. A detailed medical questionnaire is completed and the therapist addresses specific physical complaints and injuries. A massage therapist is required to keep records regarding treatment. Treatments generally last an hour.
» Is On-Site chair massage a proactive, preventative strategy?
On-Site chair massage isdesigned to address stress-related discomforts that often arise as a result of keyboarding, telephone work and repetitive tasks. A Certified Massage Practitioner is specifically trained to perform this type of massage. At-work seated massage follows a specific format, designed to cover the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. It lasts about 15 minutes. It is a hybrid of several massage techniques, including accupressure, shiatsu and some traditional Swedish massage. We do not treat injury. Each massage recipient is screened. If therapy is required, they will be advised to seek medical attention. Certified Massage Practitioners belong to the Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners and carry professional liability and business insurance.
» Do company insurance plans cover On-Site massage sessions?
Yes and no. Workplace On-Site chair massage is a preventative wellness strategy. It qualifies for coverage if the benefit package includes ‘individual discretionary funds’, funds that the employee can use for complimentary services like relaxation massage, nutrition counselling or health club fees. Some plans require a doctor’s certificate to obtain coverage. This type of benefit is designed to address specific injuries. In this case, on-site workplace massage is generally not covered.
» What kinds of companies use Workplace Wellness initiatives?
Generally, companies that employ highly trained, skilled workers are offering Wellness programs in workplace. There is a recognition that good employees are expensive to recruit and train and often the workplace is very stressful. Many employees are front line, interacting with the client, for instance in the call center environment. The employee needs to remain focused and alert in order to address the needs of the customer. A 15-minute stress-buster workplace massage is a great way to refresh and re-energize an employee.
» Is there a business case for a Wellness program? Yes!
- Health Canada reports on its Web site a Return On Investment of $3.40 on each corporate dollar invested in wellness initiatives. The return is in the form of reduced turnover, productivity gains and decreased medical claims.
- Research . Seated massage contributes to increased productivity with substantially fewer errors. The University of Miami studied the effects of a series of seated massage sessions. They determined that the massage recipients did computation tests in half the time with half as many errors as they did before the study.
- Wellness initiatives attract excellent employees. Many companies use a wellness program to attract potential employees to work for their company. It is an excellent non-verbal way to communicate a sense of care for the well being of the employee.
- A turnkey on-site massage program is ideally suited for small, medium and large corporate groups. It is a way to provide a wellness program without building a fitness facility or hiring an employee to design an in-house fitness program.
» What kinds of employees use corporate Wellness programs?
Every corporate group has a variety of fitness levels reflected in their staff. Very fit employees generally utilize their own gyms. The average staff member may be less active but no less stressed. On-site workplace massage sessions are generally utilized by all types of staff. It is well suited to reach staff who might not otherwise participate in stress management initiatives on their own.
