A workplace therapy firm is booming following an upturn in the number of businesses looking to relieve the stresses and strains of their employees.
Corporate massage specialists ‘Hands on at Work’ is set to recruit more staff after seeing a surge in business as an increasing number of bosses call in the firm as they look to reduce tension and stress amongst their workforce.
The business, which launched two years ago, is the brainchild of owner Kathy Scott, a therapy specialist who saw a gap in the market during her previous career as a legal executive.
Over the past six months the firm, which has clients across Herefordshire, has seen a 25 per cent increase in new customers – the strongest period of growth since the 2010 launch. It’s a number she hopes to double over the next 12 months.
News of the county therapist’s success follows recent statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive. Their poll highlighted that stress is the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK – with over 105 million days lost to stress each year - a cost of £1.2m billion to employers.
Mrs Scott, 49, said it was clear the message was getting through to firms across the county that relaxed workers are far more productive and happier.
She said: “I worked in a stressful environment for 15 years but decided to leave to try and make a successful business from my passion for massage and therapy. It was a leap of faith but I am delighted how businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have embraced the concept.
“Every day I am going into local businesses who see the benefits of my workplace massages. Feedback shows they are retaining staff, improving morale at all levels and showing they care about their employees. More and more are coming on board and some firms are even offering my services within their own employee benefit schemes.
“The sessions are well-received but I am trying to show firms that success isn’t only measured in money. It’s also about making employees feel appreciated and rewarded – something which shines through in their morale, loyalty and hard work.”
Kathy added: “I set up Hands on at Work during the middle of a recession. But although launching in such a fragile economy was a risk, I have shown that with a great service and business idea you can win through any tough climate.
“I hope the trend continues as my goal is to double the number of clients I have over the next 12 months.”
Kathy said that she aims to take on two more qualified therapists in the coming months to ensure she can meet the growth in demand for her corporate and private services across the whole region.
Businesses or individuals looking to work with Kathy, whose 20 minute sessions are between £10 and £12, can visit her website www.handsonatwork.co.uk or telephone 07989 367669.
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