How to Calculate the Cost Savings of Implementing an Office Massage Programme

I. Introduction

• Definition of office massage
  Office massage refers to the provision of massage therapy services within a corporate or office setting. These services may be offered on a one-time or recurring basis, and can take place in a dedicated massage room or area, or can be performed in a more flexible location such as a conference room or empty office space. Office massage typically involves the use of a massage chair, which allows the therapist to perform a variety of techniques on the client while they are seated comfortably. Office massage sessions may be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 30 minutes, and can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual or group. The goal of office massage is to provide employees with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that can help reduce stress, improve productivity, and enhance overall well-being.
   
• Brief overview of the benefits of office massage for employees and the workplace
  There are numerous benefits of office massage for both employees and the workplace as a whole. On an individual level, office massage can help employees feel more relaxed, reduce muscle tension and headaches, and improve overall well-being. These effects can in turn lead to increased productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism and staff turnover. For the workplace, office massage can help to create a positive company culture and serve as a useful employee benefit. Additionally, investing in the health and well-being of employees can have financial benefits for the company in the form of reduced absence costs and increased productivity. Overall, office massage can be a valuable tool for promoting a healthy and happy work environment.

II. The financial case for office massage

• The cost of workplace stress and its impact on productivity and absenteeism
  Workplace stress is a significant problem in the UK, with over half of all working adults reporting that they have experienced stress, anxiety, or depression due to their job. This stress can have a major impact on both employee well-being and company productivity. According to a study by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress, depression, and anxiety cost UK businesses an estimated £5 billion per year in terms of absenteeism and lost productivity. Additionally, the HSE estimates that over 12 million working days are lost each year in the UK due to stress, with the cost to employers being around £1,200 per employee per year. These costs highlight the importance of addressing and reducing stress in the workplace, not only for the well-being of employees but also for the financial success of the company.

• The true cost of staff turnover
  High staff turnover can be costly in terms of the time and resources required to recruit and train new employees. In the UK, the typical costs of losing staff can be significant and can include a variety of direct and indirect expenses. Direct costs may include the cost of recruiting and training new employees, as well as any severance pay or benefits provided to departing employees. Indirect costs can be more difficult to quantify, but may include the cost of lost productivity during the transition period, as well as the impact on company culture and morale. Read our blog on dealing with staff retention.

  According to a study by the Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), the average cost of losing an employee in the UK is around £30,000. This figure takes into account direct and indirect costs, as well as the time and resources required to replace the employee. The actual cost of losing an employee may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances and the role of the departing employee.

• The potential cost savings of implementing an office massage program
  Implementing an office massage program can provide significant cost savings for UK businesses. By reducing stress and promoting employee well-being, office massage can help reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. This can result in financial savings for the company through reduced sick leave costs and increased output. According to a study by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the cost of absenteeism to UK businesses is an estimated £17 billion per year. By investing in an office massage program, companies can potentially reduce this cost through improved employee health and well-being. Additionally, the CBI estimates that the cost of lost productivity due to poor physical and mental health is around £15 billion per year. Office massage can help address these issues and lead to improved productivity and financial gain for the company.

III. How to implement an office massage program in your company

• Options for setting up office massage services (e.g. in-house therapists, external providers)
  There are several options for setting up office massage services in the UK. One option is to hire in-house therapists who can provide regular or occasional massage sessions on-site. This can be a cost-effective option for companies that have a high demand for massage services or that wish to have more control over the scheduling and logistics of the sessions. Another option is to use external providers, such as Sense Massage, that specialise in corporate massage. Providers, like Sense can offer a range of massage services on a flexible basis, and can often accommodate last-minute requests or changes. Using external providers can be a convenient and hassle-free option for companies that do not have the resources or space to hire in-house therapists. Ultimately, the best option for a company will depend on their specific needs and budget.
   
• Tips for calculating the return on investment of an office massage program
  

  Calculating the return on investment (ROI) of an office massage program can help UK companies determine whether or not this type of investment is worthwhile. To calculate the ROI of an office massage program, it is important to consider the following factors:

  1. The cost of the program:

     In House Therapists: This would include the cost of hiring therapists, purchasing massage equipment, as well as any additional expenses such as training or materials.
      

     External Provider: This would be the booking cost only. All equipment, paperwork, appointment booking system and promotional material would be all included in the booking price. 
      

  2. The potential cost savings: Consider the potential cost savings in terms of reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and improved employee retention.

  3. The expected return on investment: This can be calculated by dividing the expected cost savings by the cost of the program.

  4. The length of the program: The ROI will be affected by the length of the program, as well as the frequency of massage sessions.

  By considering these factors and performing a thorough cost-benefit analysis, UK companies can make informed decisions about the ROI of an office massage program and whether or not it is a worthwhile investment.

• Best practices for promoting and organising office massage sessions
  

  There are several best practices for promoting and organising office massage sessions in the UK. One important consideration is to ensure that the sessions are voluntary and that employees feel comfortable participating. It may be helpful to conduct a survey or hold focus groups to gauge interest and gather feedback about the types of massage services that would be most beneficial. In our experience the 20 or 30 minute On-Site Chair Massage is the most popular treatment.

  Another important factor is to consider the logistics of the sessions, such as where they will take place and how they will be scheduled. It may be necessary to set up a dedicated massage area or to use an existing space such as a conference room for the duration of the therapist's visit. It is also important to communicate well and inform everyone of what to expect during the massage sessions, such as the length of each session and any necessary instructions, such as where to find the therapists and completion of safety forms prior to each treatment.

  Promoting the sessions to employees can be done through various channels such as email, intranet, posters, or word of mouth. It can be helpful to have a designated point of contact for employees to ask questions or express interest. By following these best practices, you can effectively promote and organise office massage sessions and ensure that they are a success.

IV. Case studies of successful office massage programs

• Real-life examples of companies that have successfully implemented office massage programs
  There are numerous examples of UK companies that have successfully implemented office massage programs. One such example is the bank Barclays, which has been using on-site massage sessions for employees for many years as part of their employee wellbeing programme. Their programme continues to receive extremely positive feedback from employees. Other examples include the insurance company Aviva, which introduced office massage sessions for its employees in Norwich, The Scottish Ambulance Service at several locations across Scotland and there are many, many others.
  

  Whether the company is looking for an annual wellbeing day or a regular weekly or monthly sessions, Sense Massage are experienced in helping companies to systematically measure the success of massage programmes, to help them truly understand the impact for their business.

• Results and feedback from employees
  

  In the UK, companies that have successfully implemented office massage programs have reported positive results and feedback from employees. For example, employees at the bank Barclays who participated in the company's office massage program reported feeling more relaxed and energised after the sessions. Similarly, employees at the consulting company Accenture and publishing company The Financial Times reported feeling less stressed and more focused after participating in office massage sessions.

  Overall, employees in the UK who have participated in office massage programs have generally reported positive experiences and benefits. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits of massage, employees have also appreciated the convenience and accessibility of these services in the workplace. By gathering feedback from employees, companies can further refine and improve their office massage programs to ensure maximum benefits for both employees and the company.

V. Conclusion

• Implementing an office massage program helps the employees and the business
  

  It makes sense for UK based companies to consider implementing an office massage program as an innovative way to improve employee health and well-being, as well as support the overall success of the company. Office massage has been shown to provide a range of benefits, including reduced stress, improved productivity, and reduced absenteeism. These benefits can lead to significant cost savings for the company, as well as improved employee satisfaction and employee retention.

  Implementing an office massage program can be a simple and cost-effective way for UK companies to invest in the health and well-being of their employees. You need to consider the best option for setting up office massage services for your company, such as including hiring in-house therapists or choosing experienced external providers, like Sense Massage Therapy. By following best practices for promoting and organising office massage sessions, companies can ensure that these programs are successful and beneficial for employees and the company. Overall, the potential cost savings and other benefits make office massage a valuable investment for UK businesses.

Sense Massage has been providing office massage to every size of organisation for over 20 years. Institutions such as schools and universities, as well as businesses of all sizes (local, national, and international) and government bodies at all levels have all implemented massage programs with Sense.  If you want to talk to someone at Sense, please call our team on 0800 488 0606, contact us via the web site or get an instant quote for your office.