Relax @ Work

The UK has some of the longest working hours in Europe. Sitting in an office all day, your body takes all the strain. This may show as tension in the back or shoulders, a stiff neck, unexplained aches and pains or mental fatigue.

Both large and small employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the mental and physical health of their employees and many are offering therapies and neck and shoulder massage to alleviate both mental and physical stress and tension and help to improve concentration.

The use of complementary therapies in the workplace helps to improve staff morale and reduces absenteeism. On-site visits can be arranged at a time convenient to both employers and employees, such as during lunch breaks or after work has finished for the day. There is minimal disruption to normal working - all that is needed is a small office or screened area.

Statistics

• An estimated 12.8 million working days were lost through stress, depression or anxiety in 2003/04
• Musculoskeletal disorders (in particular those affecting the back and upper limbs) were the most commonly reported illness in 2003/04
• Other self reported work-related illnesses include headaches and/or eyestrain and other illnesses affecting the circulatory system
• The Confederation of British Industry has put the cost of mental health and stress problems to employers at £5 billion per year