Businesses and corporations provided robust employee benefit plans during North America’s economic boom to retain skilled workers. Although there is motivation during present times to reduce those plans during economic recession, wise companies choose to support the health and well-being of their workforce. Workplace benefit plans help businesses mitigate job-related stress to promote healthy, productive and loyal employees.
In a study by Shulman and Jones posted in the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, workers in a company experiencing downsizing participated in an on-site massage therapy program. These workers showed significant reductions in anxiety levels, compared to a control group that received a work-break but not massage therapy.1 Other studies confirm the positive effects of massage therapy on low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches and depression.2
Many benefit plans include massage therapy services in their coverage. Massage therapy is consistently recognized as an effective intervention to the effects of stress, strain and pain. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are trained professionals, bound to ethics and standards under the Regulated Health Professions Act, and an essential component of paramedical care in our health care system. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa employ only RMTs in the provision of care to their clients.
Companies using massage therapy as part of their corporate wellness program include American Express, Apple, AT&T, Canadian Tire Acceptance, IBM, and Merrill Lynch. In a study conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association, 77% of Fortune 500 companies offer massage therapy in their benefit plans. Particularly, companies in the financial, insurance and technology sector recognize the impact to worker productivity, health and loyalty, and proactively provide workplace wellness programs.
1Shulman, KR & Jones, GE: The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy Intervention on Reducing Anxiety in the Workplace. Journal of Applied Behavioural Science, 32, 160-173
2 http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage.html