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A photograph of the Google logo in the lobby of Google's new campus and office in Singapore

Before 2006, I was surrounded by people following the rules—everything was formal, checked, and precise. In banking, it was all about structure and discipline. The focus was on ticking boxes and getting results within the lines. But when I made the switch into the creative industry, joining a branding agency in the UK, everything changed. Moving from Ukraine, which at the time was emerging and peaceful, to the UK felt like stepping into a whirlwind of fresh opportunities. The UK was fast-paced, dynamic, and full of ideas. Suddenly, the world I entered was about breaking the rules, not following them. It was a place where trends were set, not merely followed. People were relaxed, full of ideas, and unafraid to push boundaries. The atmosphere was fresh, dynamic, and had a certain energy to it. It was a stark contrast to the rigidity of finance, and that shift felt like a breath of fresh air.Realising the Common Ground: Stress that has No BordersI quickly realised that while the environment in branding was more relaxed and creative, the stress levels were, surprisingly, not that different. The pressure to constantly perform, meet deadlines, and deliver fresh ideas was constant. In fact, the more creative and free the environment, the more stress I noticed people endured in keeping up with the demands. Endless meetings, demanding clients who often thought they knew better than the designers themselves, and the pressure to come up with fresh, groundbreaking ideas—it was a different kind of grind. Stress wasn’t exclusive to banking; it permeated every industry, even the ones that looked carefree and spontaneous.I quickly realised that stress didn’t have borders. It was a constant, whether in banking or branding, Ukraine or the UK. The same pressures, the same demands, and the same never-ending cycle of work. Then, COVID arrived, and everything shifted. For many of us, the sudden change in how we worked brought a strange sense of calm. With no office to go to, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to balance work and home life, there was a surprising lack of stress. I was a mom to a very young child at the time, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the value of the newfound work-life balance that many others embraced. But, when I eventually returned to branding, it was obvious. Work comfort wasn’t a luxury anymore—it was a necessity. The ease and flexibility of working from home had shown me how important a supportive, comfortable work environment truly was. It wasn’t just about physical comfort—it was about mental and emotional well-being, too.Reimagining the Office: A Space for Well-being, Not Just Work So, here’s a thought: What if your office could be one of those spaces? A space where stress isn’t the norm, and wellness isn’t an afterthought? It could start with something as simple as a comfortable chair, a dog-friendly policy, or just a little space to breathe. Because when your employees feel great, they’re probably going to create amazing things. Maybe that’s the secret not only to a healthier workplace but also to a happier one. And who knows? Maybe the next big idea will come while petting a dog in the office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Do we want our employees back in the office, at least some days a week?

Woman giving body massage to a dog. Spa still life with aromatic candles, flowers and towel.

Work can wear you down. Stress builds up. Focus slips. And the workday stretches on. But there’s a simple way to cut through it—massage.Stress is a killer. It robs you of focus, makes your body ache, and slows down your work. The more you stress, the less you get done. It’s that simple.Massage isn’t just about relaxation. It’s a tool for improving productivity. Massage lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and stimulates endorphin production. This combination helps to reduce tension and elevate mood, making it easier to focus. A quick massage clears mental fog. It helps you refocus, bringing clarity and sharpness that boosts productivity. Long hours at a desk lead to tight shoulders and stiff backs. Massage helps release muscle tension, improving circulation and helping the body feel better, making work more comfortable. When people feel cared for, they’re more engaged and motivated. A simple massage can improve mood and create a positive work environment. &nbsp; ...Imagine a day in the office...The clock ticks, the tasks pile up, and the weight of deadlines presses on. But then—there’s a shift. A quiet moment to yourself. A gentle touch on your back, easing away the knots. The air feels lighter, your mind sharper. The stress fades, replaced by a clear sense of purpose.This is the power of a massage. A simple act that can transform your workday...

Boosting Workplace Productivity

TOUCHE

TOUCHE specialises in massage therapy, offering restorative chair massages as part of corporate wellness packages and employee benefits. Workplace massages reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost overall well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction, loyalty, and a more engaged workforce, ultimately driving increased productivity.

Blog

Do we want our employees back in the office, at least som...

Boosting Workplace Productivity