As a small business owner in the UK, you’re likely juggling tight budgets and a lean team, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer perks like corporate massages. They’re a brilliant way to boost staff morale and wellbeing without breaking the bank – if you get the approach right. Here are some practical tips to make office massages work for your small business.
Start Small and Simple
You don’t need to commit to weekly sessions straight away. Dip your toe in with a one-off event, like a 15-minute massage day during a busy period or as a thank-you after a big project. Partner with a local therapist for a trial run – many offer introductory rates for small businesses. This keeps costs low while testing the waters to see if your team loves it.
Negotiate Affordable Rates
Therapists often tailor packages for smaller firms. Contact a few registered practitioners (check the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for credibility) and explain your budget and team size. Ask for group discounts or shorter sessions – 10-15 minutes per person can still work wonders. Some might even offer a “pay per head” deal, so you only pay for staff who join in.
Use Existing Space Creatively
No spare room? No problem. Clear a corner of your office – a quiet spot away from the kettle or printer will do. Pop up a folding screen for privacy (they’re cheap on Amazon) and borrow a chair from the break room. Portable massage chairs are compact, and good therapists bring their own kit. Keep it low-fuss to avoid extra rental costs.
Make It Voluntary and Flexible
Small teams mean diverse preferences. Some staff might leap at a massage; others might shy away. Send a casual email or use a sign-up sheet (try a free tool like Doodle) so people can opt in privately. Schedule slots during lunch or quieter hours to avoid disrupting work. Offering choice keeps everyone happy and ensures you’re not pushing it on reluctant team members.
Tie It to Rewards
Maximise impact by linking massages to achievements. Finished a tough quarter? Landed a new client? Treat the team to a session as a reward. It doubles as a morale boost and shows appreciation – something 58% of UK employees value, per a 2024 CIPD survey. For small businesses, this targeted approach stretches your budget further than regular sessions.
Promote the Benefits
Your team might not know why massages matter. Share a quick note highlighting perks – reduced stress, fewer aches, sharper focus. Keep it light: “Fancy a break from that spreadsheet headache?” A little nudge can spark interest, especially if they’re unsure. Word of mouth will spread once someone raves about it.
Gather Feedback
After the first go, ask for thoughts. A quick chat or anonymous Google Form works. Did they feel refreshed? Was the timing tricky? Use this to tweak future sessions – maybe they’d prefer a Friday treat over a Monday boost. Small businesses thrive on agility, so adapt to what your team needs.
Corporate massages can fit snugly into a small business setup with a bit of creativity. Low cost, high reward, and a happier team? That’s a win worth massaging into your plans.