managers into a blue funk, costing industry vast amounts of money.

In America alone job stress costs an estimated $200 billion a year in reduced productivity, accidents, compensation claims, absenteeism, employee turnover, health insurance and medical expenses.

And Bermuda is not immune to longer working hours, tighter deadlines and the stress of rapidly changing technology.

But over-worked office personnel need worry no more. Those hunched up shoulders and necks cricked into the shape of a telephone holder could be a thing of the past.

Because professional massage and sports therapist Dick Johnson has become a stress-buster.

Every lunch hour he will be available in the centre of Hamilton, offering muscular relief to the pain of stressed-out shoulders.

From this week at Down to Earth on Reid Street he will be offering five and 10 minute massages on the spot.

For $10 for 5 minutes he will ease away the stress of daily life. And Mr.

Johnson said that these simple sessions can help relieve headaches, back aches and neck pain.

He says that stress can lead to listlessness, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, irritability or anger and in the worst cases can lead to "burn out''- physical and emotional exhaustion.

"I started doing these short sessions on Harbour Nights, and they proved to be very popular,'' said Mr. Johnsone. "At first it was the tourists, but gradually there were more locals coming round for a massage.

"We did a trial at Down to Earth and it was a great success. There was one little lady who stood and kept looking for a long time. And she eventually came over and had a massage and she loved it.'' Mr. Johnson said that while women feel more comfortable having a massage, there are barriers to be broken down for some men to see the beneficial effects of the massage.

He said that a quick massage not only reduces muscle tension and the pain that causes, but also calms the nervous system and increases circulation which boosts energy and alertness.

The massages use no oil and take place with the customer fully clothed. The treatment usually covers the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.

The client is placed on a special massage chair, which supports the head, chest and arms.

This type of massage has been widely recognised as being beneficial in the workplace, so much so that companies like American Express and IBM in the US regularly bring in on-site massage therapists.