In Nigeria, a 2025 study revealed that nearly half of the workforce experiences chronic stress, leading to decreased productivity, mental health issues, and even physical ailments. This alarming trend has significant implications for the country’s economic growth and overall well-being. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, which examines how employees feel about their work and lives, found that Nigeria ranks sixth among Sub-Saharan African countries with the most stressed employees. This figure is expected to rise by 3 per cent annually, exacerbated by economic pressures, long commutes, and high-stakes work environments. Despite the growing challenge, relaxation therapy offers a powerful yet underutilised solution to alleviate stress and promote well-being. This therapeutic approach encompasses a range of techniques and practices designed to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and improve overall well-being.
A study on relaxation therapy found that massage and aromatherapy have been scientifically proven to improve well-being; a benefit that a workforce under constant pressure can greatly utilise.
The costs of workplace stress
The impact of workplace stress extends beyond the individual employee, affecting the organisation and the host country’s economy. Stressed employees are more likely to experience burnout, leading to increased absenteeism and high employee turnover rates. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) states that workplace stress costs businesses billions annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. This additional burden cannot be ignored in Nigeria, where the economy is already grappling with various challenges. Furthermore, stress negatively impacts creativity, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships – qualities essential for a thriving workforce. In key sectors where precision and innovation are crucial, the consequences of stress can be particularly damaging. How relaxation therapy can help
Improved productivity is one of the key benefits of relaxation therapy. Studies have shown that employees who engage in regular relaxation practices are more focused, energized, and productive. Simple interventions, such as weekly or monthly massage sessions, can significantly boost morale and efficiency. Enhanced mental health is another area where relaxation therapy can make a significant difference. Therapies that help combat anxiety and depression, two common byproducts of chronic stress, can rewire the brain’s response to stress, fostering resilience and emotional stability. Reduced healthcare costs are another benefit of relaxation therapy. By mitigating stress-related illnesses such as hypertension, migraines, and gastrointestinal issues, relaxation therapies like massage and aromatherapy can lower healthcare expenses for both employers and employees. Better work-life balance is another benefit of relaxation therapy. Incorporating relaxation techniques into their healthcare routines can help employees achieve a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives, leading to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being and happiness. A call to action for employers and policymakers
To address Nigeria’s workforce stress crisis, employers and policymakers must take proactive steps to integrate relaxation therapy into workplace wellness programs. For example, employers can mandate relaxation therapy like massages for employees as part of their health insurance scheme; designate relaxation areas where employees can take short breaks to unwind and recharge; and allow remote work or flexible schedules to reduce commute stress and give employees more time to focus on their well-being. Policymakers on the other hand should create a culture that values well-being alongside productivity by including relaxation therapy as part of a broader national healthcare routine. The time to act is now
Relaxation therapy offers a practical and effective solution to the mounting stress that threatens individual success and Nigeria’s economic growth. By embracing these practices, Nigeria will be making the well-being of its workforce a top priority, and building a healthier, happier, and more resilient workforce, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of 2025 and beyond.
