The benefits of corporate reflexology

Clinical reflexologist Nicola Stewart shares her expertise on the importance of corporate reflexology and how it can improve staff wellbeing.

I am a clinical reflexologist based in Cheshire and part of my services include corporate reflexology. To kick things off, I’ll explain what reflexology is and how it works.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that different points, or reflexes on the feet, hands or ears relate to the internal organs and other structures of the body. Stimulating these reflex points can encourage the body’s own natural ability to heal itself.

Reflexology is an incredibly relaxing, non-invasive therapy which can alleviate everyday stress and tension, improve circulation and in turn bring about an overall sense of wellbeing.

Although traditionally reflexology is carried on the feet, I am trained to work on the feet, hands and ears and can incorporates all three into sessions for maximum benefits.

Reflexology can work as an excellent preventative treatment for stress and anxiety management, working to achieve overall wellbeing. It is believed that 75% of illnesses derive from being stressed. Taking this and our busy lives into consideration, time to relax and de-stress is essential for good health. 

Why corporate reflexology?

The biggest benefit of corporate reflexology is that employees get to take time out of their day to enjoy a treatment. As an employer, you have given your employees this time to focus on themselves which means that employees feel valued, rejuvenated and as a result will be more productive. It is also an excellent way to enhance your organisation and the general wellbeing of employees.

I specialise in stress management, anxiety and pain reduction (including migraines) while empowering employees to take control of their own health and wellbeing. 

The 2019 Business Healthiest Workplace survey reported the following data:

• Mental Health: 1 in 10 are living with depression
• Exercise 1 in 3 don’t exercise enough
• Money:  50% have financial concerns
• Sleep:  42% don’t sleep well
• Stress:  57% are stressed at work

Stress is recognised as a major cause of illness in today's fast-paced world. Long-term stress can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It can also weaken the immune system and lead to physical illness.

Reflexology treatments in the workplace are becoming increasingly popular as companies become more concerned with the health and wellbeing of their staff.  A reflexology session can help reduce the effects of stress, be extremely calming, promote relaxation, and provide space for the body to rebalance and heal.

The benefits to companies include:

• A reduction in sickness                                                     
• Improved morale
• Increased motivation and productivity                            
• More efficient workforce

Sessions can be funded fully or partly by the company as part of an employee health and wellbeing package, or can be part of a regular organised health and wellbeing day to reward staff for reaching targets or going the extra mile.

In 2019 the Financial Times published an article in relation to Britain’s Healthiest Workplace which showed the following:

Productivity and engagement

• Employees lost 14.6% of their working hours due to absence (1.1%) and presenteeism (13.4%).
  
  
• This represents a loss of 38 productive days per employee per year.
  
  
• Lost productive time has increased steadily since 2014 when employees were losing 23 days.
  
  
• Productivity loss is higher amongst lower income workers and younger workers.
  
  
• 16.5% of employees showed high work engagement levels, an increase from 12.7% last year.
  
  

Mental health

• Lower income employees are the most at-risk for mental health issues with 16.4% of those earning less than £20,000 indicating that they suffer from depression.
  
  
• For the £20,000 to £30,000 income category the risk remains high at 10.4%.
  
  
• 56.4% of surveyed employees suffer from at least one dimension of work-related stress.
  
  
• 35.1% of employees reported having felt unwell as a consequence of work-related stress.
  
  
• Financial concerns are very common with 51.1% of employees reporting at least some level of concern.
  
  
• Employees who have financial concerns are losing more than twice as much productive time than those without, and report on significantly unhealthier lifestyle choices.
   

The data above was published before the Covid-19 pandemic and I believe that these statistics would be much higher now.  There has never been a more important time to invest in the health and wellbeing of your staff as they are the future of your business.  

Nicola Stewart is an experienced clinical reflexologist with a keen interest in fertility, nutrition and women’s health. She is passionate about empowering her clients to take control of their health and wellbeing and often makes this an essential part of her sessions. Find out more here.