What Is Corporate Chair Massage? A Guide for HR and Office Managers in London

If you’re an HR manager, office manager or EA looking for a wellbeing activity that staff will actually use, corporate chair massage is worth a look. It’s simple to organise, takes up very little space and is popular with almost every team.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is chair massage?

Chair massage (also called seated or on-site massage) is a short massage given while the person sits in a specially designed, padded chair. They lean forward, resting their face in a cradle, which gives the therapist easy access to the back, neck, shoulders, arms and head.

It’s fully clothed and uses no oils or lotions, so staff can go straight back to their desks or into their next meeting.

How long is a session?

Sessions start from 10 minutes per person, but we recommend at least 15 minutes. It’s long enough to feel the benefit and short enough to fit between meetings. Longer sessions of 20 minutes or more are available too.

As a rough guide, one therapist can see around three people an hour on 15-minute slots plus changeover time, or more on shorter slots. For larger teams, we simply add more therapists.

How much space do you need?

Very little. Each therapist needs roughly a 3m x 3m area. A small meeting room, quiet corner or breakout space is ideal. A little privacy helps people relax, but it isn’t essential.

The therapist brings the massage chair and everything else they need, including hygiene supplies such as face cradle covers and sanitiser.

How does booking work for staff?

We provide an online booking system that you circulate to your team, so staff can choose a time slot that suits them. Send it round a week or so before. On the day, staff turn up at their slot, sit down, and the therapist takes care of the rest.

What are the benefits?

• A proper break. Fifteen minutes away from the screen is valuable in itself.
• Less tension. Desk work tends to leave people tight through the neck, shoulders and upper back.
• A visible perk. It’s delivered in person, so staff can see and feel the company investing in them.
• Inclusive. No changing, no special clothing and minimal time away from work means most people can take part.

Research supports the idea too. One study found adults who received a 15-minute chair massage twice a week for five weeks reported lower job stress and performed better on maths tasks afterwards (Field et al., 1996).

When do companies book chair massage?

• Awareness days such as World Mental Health Day, Stress Awareness Day or Mental Health Awareness Week
• Busy periods such as year-end, audit season or product launches
• Regular wellbeing days, monthly or fortnightly
• Staff thank-yous and Christmas treats
• Events, away days, conferences and client hospitality

Is it suitable for everyone?

Most people can enjoy chair massage. The therapist will ask a few quick health questions before starting. Anyone who is pregnant, has a recent injury or has a medical condition is advised to check with their GP first, and the therapist will adapt or skip the massage where needed.

Read next: Can Chair Massage Help With Workplace Burnout? What Employers Should Know and Office Chair Massage in the City of London: On-Site Wellbeing for the Square Mile

Book corporate chair massage in London

Corporate Calm places professional, insured massage therapists in offices and at events across London, including the City of London, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Westminster and Mayfair.

Contact us at info@corporate-calm.co.uk or 020 7100 5465 for availability and a quote.