Wellness for Everyone
If you think that corporate yoga programs are just the province of large companies where everyone works at a desk all day, think again. In this article, we look at how corporate yoga programs are a cost effective benefit for every employee in every role. A study by Tower Watson Wyatt and the National Business Group on Health shows that organizations that put in place effective employee wellness programs retain and attract staff more easily. The consumer products company, Johnson and Johnson found that for every $1 spent on wellness, they saved a cumulative $2.71 in healthcare costs over the past decade.
Our white paper, How Employee Wellness Programs Can Positively Impact Companies’ Bottom Line, provides compelling evidence that companies with employee wellness programs are financially more successful.
Who Benefits from Corporate Yoga Programs?
When we consider the corporate world, we frequently imagine a sedentary workforce sitting behind a computer from 9 to 5. This is far from an accurate picture how people work; consider:
Delivery drivers
Warehouse operatives
Hairdressers
Construction workers
Restaurant and hospitality sector
Retail sector
Many of these jobs require employees to spend most of the day on their feet, or lifting and carrying heavy objects which puts strain on the back and legs. In fact, the top causes of injury at work include overexertion and muscle strains as well as slips, trips and falls, and being struck by equipment or falling objects.
The main reasons for being absent from work include minor illnesses, stress, anxiety, back pain and family problems. It is well documented that yoga and mindfulness meditation are valuable practices for helping with both physical and mental wellbeing leading to reductions in absenteeism and a stronger corporate culture.
Yoga for Non-office based Employees
Transport manager and yoga instructor, Heidi Sherwood has introduced yoga classes for HGV drivers at Tarmac, the UK multinational building materials and construction company, to help with flexibility. Heidi says:
“I try to keep it basic, focusing on loosening up the shoulders and making the spine more flexible. Simply by stretching they can begin to feel better. It releases endorphins and calms the central nervous system. There are lots of small benefits that will help with the rest of their day.”
UPS in the Napa Valley introduced a yoga program to reduce driver injuries.
Hairdressers spend the majority of their working day on their feet and frequently suffer from lower back pain. As well as developing flexibility and musculature, yoga movements and breathing rhythms revitalize the body’s internal organs. The breathing practices increase the flow of oxygen is optimized throughout the body, improving blood circulation, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. There are specific exercises, stretches and poses which focus on different parts of the body. We are able to create a program which targets the specific needs of your workforce so that they gain the most from regularly attending classes.
Yoga for Desk-based Employees
Being stuck at a desk in front of a computer, is both physically and mentally tiring. Stiff joints and weakened muscles can create difficult moving and enjoying exercise. Working from home doesn’t help, as with no commute home-workers hardly need to walk at all.
Having a regular online class, where colleagues are expecting you, is a good incentive for even the most unmotivated, remote employee!
Yoga for Small Teams
Corporate yoga programs are not just for large organizations. Here at Vibrant Yoga we teach both individuals and groups of people, in person and virtually. We teach departments and divisions of larger companies as well as delivering sessions to visiting colleagues from out of town or overseas. It’s a great ice-breaker and helps co-workers to get to know one another better in an uncompetitive, beneficial environment.
Yoga is a cost-effective benefit for the workforce. We help you design a program to suit the needs of your team and fit classes around your hours of work.
Get in touch today and discuss how Vibrant Yoga can help your company develop a yoga program so everyone benefits from physical and mental wellbeing.
Vibrant Yoga is based in Chicago and serves the Chicagoland area as well as virtually anywhere with practical tools and guidance to individual wellness for a healthier lifestyle. We offer on-site & virtual yoga, meditation & wellness workshops to individuals and companies. We envision a world where every individual, employee, and business owner has the freedom and resources to maintain vibrant health that positively impacts their mental and physical well-being.
