Reflexology for the workplace
Stress in the workplace is accepted as a big problem in the UK, with over 11 million working days lost to stress in 2015/16. The 2023 CIPD & Simply Health Survey found stress to be a significant factor for both short and long-term absence, with over 76% of respondents reporting stress-related absence in their organisation in the past year. In addition, long term studies indicate stress is associated with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, anxiety and depression, as well as musculoskeletal problems.
Reflexology is ideally placed to support the workforce with it being a "non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing; reducing stress in people’s lives can be key in optimising good health and building resilience" (Ref: AoR Reflexology For The Workplace 2023 Document).
Research Studies:
A study of workplaces that had on-site reflexologists in Denmark evidenced a big reduction in sick leave and increased job satisfaction. An employee said:” Our work is done through computers and people spending many hours in a chair doing their work, resulting in aching shoulders and back. Since we employed our reflexologist, we have experienced a substantial decrease of people being ill and away from work. It has had a physical and psychological effect. There is a much better atmosphere in the department, because the employees feel there is something being done about their problems. Before staff used to stay at home, now we see them go to work anyway because they know they can get a treatment and feel better.” (Ref: Brendstrup, Eva and Launs¯, Laila, “Headache and Reflexological Treatment,” The Council Concerning Alternative Treatment, The National Board of Health, Denmark, 1997)
A study in Worcester Hospitals included 28 members of staff, whom received 40 mins of reflexology weekly for 6 weeks. Their response to the reflexology was measured in terms of: pain, mobility, lethargy, psychological stress. The key results were: 74% had a significant reduction in pain 62.5% had a significant improvement in mobility 55% had a significant improvement in psychological stress 53% had a significant reduction in lethargy the study concluded that it was a cost-effective treatment for companies concerned about absenteeism and sick leave. (Ref: FDZ – the Danish Reflexology Association Research).
Reflexology is ideally placed to support the workforce with it being a "non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing; reducing stress in people’s lives can be key in optimising good health and building resilience" (Ref: AoR Reflexology For The Workplace 2023 Document).
Research Studies:
A study of workplaces that had on-site reflexologists in Denmark evidenced a big reduction in sick leave and increased job satisfaction. An employee said:” Our work is done through computers and people spending many hours in a chair doing their work, resulting in aching shoulders and back. Since we employed our reflexologist, we have experienced a substantial decrease of people being ill and away from work. It has had a physical and psychological effect. There is a much better atmosphere in the department, because the employees feel there is something being done about their problems. Before staff used to stay at home, now we see them go to work anyway because they know they can get a treatment and feel better.” (Ref: Brendstrup, Eva and Launs¯, Laila, “Headache and Reflexological Treatment,” The Council Concerning Alternative Treatment, The National Board of Health, Denmark, 1997)
A study in Worcester Hospitals included 28 members of staff, whom received 40 mins of reflexology weekly for 6 weeks. Their response to the reflexology was measured in terms of: pain, mobility, lethargy, psychological stress. The key results were: 74% had a significant reduction in pain 62.5% had a significant improvement in mobility 55% had a significant improvement in psychological stress 53% had a significant reduction in lethargy the study concluded that it was a cost-effective treatment for companies concerned about absenteeism and sick leave. (Ref: FDZ – the Danish Reflexology Association Research).
Sole Therapy Reflexology options for the workplace
Sole Therapy Reflexology offers the following options for reflexology provision within the workplace:
- Running a wellbeing day and offering short taster sessions
- Offering regular visits (these could be monthly or more often based upon company needs) where I come in and run an on-site reflexology clinic in your base. These appointments can be varied lengths of time from 20 to up to 60 minute
- Treatments can be paid directly by the company or by the employee receiving reflexology.
Workplace testimonials
‘Not only is the treatment relaxing and enjoyable, but I've found my health has been good too with many colds circulating in the office passing me by.’
‘I always felt the benefit of the treatments and would recommend it to others especially those who like me, would be working on a PC for a number of hours each day’
‘It’s very convenient having an on-site reflexologist at work as I can arrange appointments during my working day, I also look forward to the appointments and feel less stressed when I know I have one arranged.’
‘I do suffer from neck and back issues which can be exacerbated by my desk job and general work stress. When my neck has seized up before I have had to take time off work and receive physio. Since seeing my on-site reflexologist, I’ve had no time off work for my neck because of two reasons: she has helped to prevent my neck seizing up and has helped to relax things prior to them worsening.’
‘I have enjoyed regular reflexology treatments at my place of work for a few years now and have noticed a great improvement in my stress levels. The time spent away from my desk during the working day is very beneficial and I seem to have more energy after each treatment.’
‘My regular reflexology treatments massively help (in my opinion) reduce my stress and anxiety levels. My career is very demanding and having a young child whilst working full time is taxing, however receiving this alternative therapy enables me to feel in balance mentally and physically along with a sense of wellbeing.’
‘I always felt the benefit of the treatments and would recommend it to others especially those who like me, would be working on a PC for a number of hours each day’
‘It’s very convenient having an on-site reflexologist at work as I can arrange appointments during my working day, I also look forward to the appointments and feel less stressed when I know I have one arranged.’
‘I do suffer from neck and back issues which can be exacerbated by my desk job and general work stress. When my neck has seized up before I have had to take time off work and receive physio. Since seeing my on-site reflexologist, I’ve had no time off work for my neck because of two reasons: she has helped to prevent my neck seizing up and has helped to relax things prior to them worsening.’
‘I have enjoyed regular reflexology treatments at my place of work for a few years now and have noticed a great improvement in my stress levels. The time spent away from my desk during the working day is very beneficial and I seem to have more energy after each treatment.’
‘My regular reflexology treatments massively help (in my opinion) reduce my stress and anxiety levels. My career is very demanding and having a young child whilst working full time is taxing, however receiving this alternative therapy enables me to feel in balance mentally and physically along with a sense of wellbeing.’
