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Back to the Office: Chair Massage Benefits for a Healthier Workplace in 2024

Effectively navigating the shifting dynamics and challenges of the post-pandemic workplace, which encompass culture-building, promoting in-office collaboration, and ensuring equitable engagement for both remote and on-site employees, demands a strategic approach centered on prioritizing employee wellbeing. Over the years, chair massage at work has consistently ranked as a favorite in employee wellness programs. Recently, it has re-emerged as a proactive solution tailored for the hybrid workplace, adeptly tackling issues such as the negative effects of stress as well as the effects of the mental health crisis affecting modern employees across the board.

Navigating the changing dynamics and challenges of the post-pandemic workplace, including culture-building, encouraging in-office work, and finding ways to equitably engage both remote and on-site employees, requires a strategic approach to prioritize employee wellbeing. Chair massage at work has long been an employee wellness program favorite, which in recent years has emerged as a proactive solution for the hybrid workplace, effectively addressing challenges like skyrocketing rates of employee stress and an overall decrease in mental wellbeing.

Let’s look at some of the key benefits of chair massage and how regularly incorporating these services into your corporate wellness strategy could help your company cultivate a thriving and efficient work environment in the coming year.

Stress Alleviation, Pain Reduction, and Cognitive Wellness

In modern, fast-paced corporate settings, the escalation of stress among employees is undeniable. Chair massage serves as a rapid and efficient stress-relief method that not only alleviates tension but also fosters mental wellbeing, reducing anxiety and depression, and is shown to mitigate many stress-related issues. In one study, chair massage showed a beneficial impact on stress reduction and pain among bedside nurses. Stress and physical pain can of course contribute to a decline in mental wellbeing, so it is encouraging to see that even short massage sessions can make a difference. Another older study showed the effects of a chair massage program during work breaks helped to reduce musculoskeletal overload and pain among individuals exposed to this risk, which has implications for every employee, from those whose jobs are very active, to desk workers.

Elevated Team Morale and Job Satisfaction

Bolstering employee morale stands as a pivotal factor for retention and productivity – when employees feel content and satisfied, they are more likely to be engaged and dedicated to their professional duties. Chair massage contributes to a positive workplace culture, signaling the company’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of its workforce. Employees who participate in chair massage services often report feeling a shift in their mood and overall sense of wellbeing after even a very brief session.

Enhanced Work Focus and Productivity

In the hybrid environment, sustaining focus and productivity can be a struggle as employees all have very individual needs. Some employees who feel depleted by the distractions of the office environment work more efficiently from home. Others are more motivated and energized by getting work done in a bustling office environment. This is one reason why the return-to-office push has been so contentious in recent months. For those who sit squarely in the work-from-home camp. Chair massage has proven effective in boosting concentration and productivity, no matter an employees’ preferred work location. If your company has an anchor day coming up, or an all-employee meeting that requires everyone to attend in-person, consider offering chair massage on these days. Following a session, employees tend to emerge rejuvenated, bringing increased energy to their tasks and resulting in overall efficiency.

Physical Well-being Advantages

Employees across the spectrum, from those with physically demanding jobs, to those in more sedentary occupations focused on computer work, can experience musculoskeletal issues related to their work activities. The key to supporting the latter is promoting opportunities for physical activity and relaxation within the office space to help relieve the stiffness that comes from sitting in the same position for long periods. Chair massage strategically targets these concerns, addressing muscle tension and promoting comprehensive physical wellbeing. Implementing chair massage services at the office is one way to proactively approach the mitigation of long-term physical health issues in an employee population.

Alignment with Progressive Workplace Wellness Trends

In the prevailing workplace landscape of 2024, workplace wellness programs will be taking center stage. Chair massage seamlessly aligns with this trend, showcasing a company’s dedication to the holistic health of its employees. This not only positions the organization as forward-thinking and compassionate but also aids in attracting top talent and cultivating a positive employer brand.

Incorporating chair massage into your workplace wellness strategy is a strategic decision, not only addressing the evolving challenges of the modern workplace but also positioning your organization as a trailblazer in prioritizing employee wellbeing.

 

Is your company ready to begin offering chair massage at its Portland, Oregon metro-area office? Urban Balance’s team of experienced licensed massage therapists (LMTs) has you covered. We cater to companies of all sizes and needs, from recurring monthly or quarterly services to one-time visits for special events. Schedule a complimentary consultation to get your 2024 massage dates on the books and learn more about how we can support your team!

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area, and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

New in 2024: Discover the benefits of Urban Balance TV, a workplace wellbeing solution with 450+ holistic wellness classes designed to help employees achieve optimal balance in all areas of life. Membership options are available for companies and individuals.

Why You Should Go on a Wellness Retreat

 

Since the onset of the pandemic, more people have begun to develop an appreciation for the role of health and wellbeing in their lives. And, as we move into this next phase of the experience, many are ready to travel, gather, and experience the world again.

It’s no secret: the past couple of years have taken a toll on just about everyone’s sense of wellbeing. For one, maintaining physical wellness has been a challenge for many — getting out into nature, moving your body, breathing well, and eating well, are a few of the keys to thriving in this dimension of wellbeing. It’s also very important to acknowledge how challenging it can be to keep our attention here while living under stressful circumstances.

Mental wellbeing is another dimension of wellbeing that has been hugely impacted. In a recent survey from American Express, 69 percent of respondents said they had experienced mental health impacts from the pandemic, while 76 percent of respondents said they wanted to spend more on travel that put wellbeing at the center of the experience.

Over the past 10-15 years, this trend of seeking out vacations that prioritize relaxation and self-care has led to the rise of an entire industry. Dubbed wellness tourism or wellness travel, this industry boasts a wide array of retreat-like experiences in locations around the world.

Benefits of Wellness Retreats

Some of the most impactful wellness retreats combine multiple dimensions of wellbeing that help to enrich our lives. Offerings might range from yoga and meditation sessions to fitness classes to massage and other spa services. Wellness retreats often give participants a taste of the local cuisine, as well as opportunities to learn about the local culture.

There is typically some space set aside for retreat-goers to step out of the main group to enjoy personal time in nature or take excursions to local attractions of their choice. Such elements help transform a simple trip into a holistic experience. If you’re ready for a reset, here’s why you should make a wellness retreat part of your plan.

Holistic wellness retreats help you:

Nurture your body inside and out
Holistic wellness retreats often include daily movement practices like yoga or Pilates, access to spa services like massage and skincare, and the opportunity to savor delicious local fare. Typically taking place in restful, relaxing environments, holistic wellness retreats support the release of tension and stress in the body and nervous system.

Care for your mind
Mental wellbeing has been a well-documented challenge throughout the pandemic. Reducing your stress level for a few days by participating in a refreshing experience like a wellness retreat can help to shift your outlook amidst the challenges of life, and even boost your optimism.

Eat well
Often, one of the best parts about wellness retreats is the food – especially when it’s locally produced, sustainably grown, and chef-prepared. It’s easy to feel well when eating nutritious, flavorful cuisine. All the more reason to leave the cooking to someone else for a few days!

Connect with others
Wellness retreats are a great place to make new connections and discover new interests as you step out of your daily responsibilities and into a fresh perspective. Show up solo and you might just come away with a new friend.

Step out of your routine

There’s something comforting about our daily routines. They can help us stay focused and steady to ensure we honor our commitments to ourselves and others. Consider setting your routines aside for a time. Doing so can help to widen your perspective and release the stress of your to-do list as you immerse yourself in the present moment experience. When you return home, you might just appreciate your “regular” life and the space your routines hold even more.

Looking for wellness retreats near you?

Googling “wellness retreats near me” will pop up some great options in your local area.

Urban Balance is proud to offer local and international wellness retreats. To see what we have coming up, visit the retreats section of our website. Next up is our Gather Wellness Retreat happening April 22nd-25th at Brasada Ranch near Bend, OR.

Looking for a virtual “getaway” for hybrid employees? We also offer virtual corporate retreats that employees can take part in from any location!

 

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver live and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.


Browse our
catalog of virtual wellness services with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.