Harnessing the Power of Wellbeing & Yoga in Corporate Settings

Harnessing the Power of Wellbeing & Yoga in Corporate Settings

As business owners and employers, we know how important it is to invest in our employees. Employee wellness is not only beneficial to the individual, but it also has a ripple effect throughout the company. Several studies have shown that a comprehensive wellbeing strategy and culture positively impact firm performance (https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenreilly/2020/06/09/wellbeing-positively-impacts-firm-perform ance/).

A study on Koop Health Award-winning companies (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26716843/) explored the link between companies investing in health and wellbeing programs of their employees and measured the stock market performance. It was found that companies who won the Koop Award, which recognized outstanding workplace health promotion (wellbeing) programs, reaped financial benefits that went beyond those who simply offered traditional employee health programs. During the 14 years tracked (2000–2014), Koop Award winners’ stock values appreciated by 325%, compared with 105% for the market as a whole.

So it is abundantly clear that investing in wellbeing is a worthwhile endeavor. Apple, Google, and Forbes, among other well-established, innovative companies, have incorporated yoga into their wellness programs because it is good for their employees, as well as their bottom line. Corporate yoga and meditation can be a great way to increase employee satisfaction, as they offer many benefits to both employees and the company.

For employees, yoga and meditation help them to improve physical health (reducing stress-related disorders such as hypertension, back pain, etc.), mental health (getting rid of unhealthy patterns of thinking and improving concentration), emotional health (helping to manage emotions in a balanced way) and social health (by creating more meaningful relationships).

On the business side, corporate yoga can contribute to improved productivity, creativity, communication, employee retention and reduced absenteeism.

In my individual movement practice, I specialize in helping people free up physical tension, improve their posture and regain balance in their life. This can be incredibly beneficial in a corporate setting where employees can often be desk-bound for long hours. Corporate yoga classes can be customized and focus on stretches and poses that are accessible to everyone, no matter their fitness level.

Let’s take a deeper look into the many benefits that corporate yoga can bring to your organisation.

Physical Benefits of Corporate Yoga

The physical benefits of corporate yoga are twofold: it helps reduce the risk of injury due to poor posture or overuse of particular muscles, as well as helping employees stay physically active throughout their day at work. Practicing yoga can help stretch out tight muscles from sitting or standing all day long, as well as improve flexibility and balance which helps reduce the risk of any potential injuries from occurring in the future. Additionally, regular exercise has been linked to improved sleep quality which helps employees feel more alert during their working hours.

Mental Benefits of Corporate Yoga

Yoga has been shown to help improve mental clarity and focus by reducing stress levels and calming the mind. It can also help boost productivity by providing employees with a much-needed break from their workday routine. In addition to this, yoga is known to increase creativity, allowing employees to think outside the box when tackling tough problems or projects. Finally, practicing yoga helps build relationships between colleagues through team-building activities that promote camaraderie amongst coworkers.

Costs Savings for Employers

Employers who choose to offer corporate yoga classes often see significant savings in healthcare costs due to fewer sick days taken by employees who practice regularly. Harvard University professors found that workplace wellness programs can generate savings in the study, “Workplace Wellness Programs Can Generate Savings,” (https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0626#:~:text=In%20a%20critical%20met a%2Danalysis,%242.73%20for%20every%20dollar%20spent) which found that medical-cost savings averaged $3.27 per dollar invested, and absenteeism savings averaged $2.73 per dollar invested. Companies may also find they save money on insurance premiums since they have fewer claims being made due to employees’ improved health and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, with fewer distractions throughout the day due to improved concentration levels amongst staff members, companies may find they experience higher levels of productivity resulting in greater profits over time.

Achieving Maximum Results

If you choose to introduce a corporate yoga program for your organisation there are certain things you should keep in mind in order to get maximum results from your program. Firstly, make sure you select instructors who have experience teaching different skill levels so that all

staff members feel comfortable participating regardless of their existing level of knowledge or fitness ability. Secondly, allow enough time for each class so that everyone can properly relax before returning to work feeling refreshed rather than rushed off their feet! And finally ensure there is adequate space within the office environment so that everyone feels safe while practicing – this could be anything from having dedicated meeting rooms set aside for classes to using outdoor spaces if feasible!

At the end of the day offering corporate yoga programs has many tangible benefits for both employees and employers alike; not only does it help foster a healthier workplace but it also boosts morale which leads to more productive work days! Introducing a corporate yoga program is an investment worth making; it will not only show your staff that you care about their wellbeing but also provide tangible financial savings over time due to fewer absences caused by physical ailments related to sitting at desks all day long! So why not give corporate yoga a try today? You won’t regret it!