Are Workplace Massages a Good Investment?

When considering workplace benefits, offering massages may initially appear as a luxury, but it’s actually a wellness initiative that brings substantial value. For UK companies, investing in workplace massages can yield significant returns, particularly in terms of employee health, engagement, and productivity. Although measuring the return on investment (ROI) can be challenging, especially when the benefits—such as improved morale and well-being—are harder to quantify, they are undoubtedly real.

Step-by-Step Cost Calculation
Let’s break down the costs. If a company hires a mobile massage service  to provide 30-minute chest and shoulder sessions at a cost of £30 per session per employee, the total cost can quickly add up. However, we can calculate the total cost more effectively by considering the number of employees and sessions.

Assume the company has 150 employees and offers massages one week each month throughout the year. Each employee receives 5 sessions per month.

The total number of sessions offered annually is: 150 employees × 5 sessions/month × 12 months = 9,000 sessions per year.

With each session costing £30, the total annual cost of the program would be: 9,000 sessions × £30 = £270,000 per year.

Since not all employees will take part in the program, we factor in an estimated 85% participation rate. This means that 85% of the employees will actually benefit from the massages. The number of sessions provided to engaged employees is: 9,000 sessions × 0.85 = 7,650 sessions.

To calculate the cost per engaged employee, we divide the total annual cost by the number of employees: £270,000 ÷ 150 employees = £1,800 per employee annually.

Therefore, the program costs approximately £1,800 per engaged employee each year. Although this may seem like a considerable investment at first glance, the return on investment can be substantial when we consider the broader benefits.

 The Benefits: Beyond the Numbers
Though the cost might appear high initially, the long-term returns that companies can achieve from offering workplace massages are significant.

Reducing Sick Leave and Absenteeism
Employees who spend long hours sitting at desks often develop musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain. These health concerns not only affect their well-being but also contribute to absenteeism. By offering regular massages, companies can help reduce these issues and, in turn, decrease the number of sick days employees take.

For example, if employees take just one less sick day per year due to the benefits of massage, this can result in a significant increase in productivity. For a company with 150 employees, this could mean an additional 150 days of work. Assuming an average daily salary of £200, the company could save £30,000 annually from reduced absenteeism.

Employee Satisfaction and Engagement
A workplace massage program can have a significant impact on employee morale. Studies show that up to 85% of employees choose to participate in workplace massage programs, demonstrating that the majority appreciate the benefit. Employees who feel valued and supported tend to be more engaged, motivated, and productive. They are also less likely to leave the company.

One study showed that businesses with wellness programs, including massage offerings, report 15% lower absenteeism, resulting in higher productivity and reduced turnover. The return on investment here is not just about financial savings—it’s about fostering a culture of employee engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction, which contributes to a more productive and cohesive workforce.

Boosting Employee Retention
The cost of replacing an employee in the UK can be as high as £30,000 when factoring in recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity. A well-established wellness program, especially one that offers massages, can improve employee retention by showing employees that they are valued and supported.

For example, a tech company in London reported a 12% reduction in voluntary turnover within a year of introducing wellness programs that included massages. This kind of investment helps businesses retain top talent, which saves them the costs and disruption of high turnover.

Boosting Productivity
Massages do more than just alleviate physical discomfort—they also boost mental focus and energy. Employees who regularly receive massages often report feeling more energized and mentally sharp. Even a modest 5% increase in productivity can lead to significant results over the course of a year. For companies that rely on high productivity, this small improvement can translate into meaningful financial gains.

Building a Positive Company Culture
Workplace wellness initiatives help to build a supportive and positive company culture. When employees see that their employer is willing to invest in their well-being, it fosters a sense of loyalty and strengthens the bond between the workforce and the company. A positive company culture contributes to a more harmonious work environment, which can lead to greater long-term success.

So, while the upfront cost of implementing a massage program may seem substantial, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. At approximately £1,800 per engaged employee annually, the potential returns—in terms of increased productivity, employee satisfaction, improved retention, and reduced absenteeism outweigh the initial expense.