Benefits of Corporate Yoga for Businesses
Office work is very unnatural for humans! Sitting for long periods and the general sedentary lifestyle that is part of the modern corporate lifestyle takes its toll on the health of employees in measurable ways.
Yoga in the workplace has many benefits:
• Improves company and personal performance
• Increases productivity and efficiency
• Reduces employee sick days and healthcare premiums
• Promotes team work, camaraderie and supportive employee interaction
• Improves morale and job satisfaction, resulting in less turnover
• Provides a cost-effective way to provide employees tools to cope with stress and the challenges while at work
• Improves respect for senior management
• Makes the company more attractive to potential employee
Although there are many environmental, psychological and physical determinants of sickness absence, the Health and Safety Executive reported that in 2011, 10.8 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, and 7.6 million working days were lost due to musculoskeletal disorders, of which 40% were related to back pain.
Benefits of Yoga for Employees:
• Reduces stress and tension
• Improves focus, concentration and memory
• Detoxifies and tones muscles
• Relieves head, neck and back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, high blood pressure and work-related injuries from repetitive motion and/or lifting and moving objects
• Improves overall physical and mental health
• Improves posture and flexibility
• Improves your outlook, inspiring a better day!
Yoga is one form of physical activity that is increasingly being introduced in workplace settings to improve health and well-being.
Yoga is an ancient form of health promotion, involving physical activity, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation practices to enhance mindfulness and mind-body awareness.
What’s involved in each session?
Typical Flexi-Fit lunchtime sessions in the workplace run from 12-12.45pm and 1-1.45pm; mats can be provided for a fee or supplied by the employer. All that is needed is a conference room, hall or office space.
Each session covers breathing (pranayama), physical movement (asanas /poses) and relaxation. We will focus on typical work lifestyle related issues such as leg, back, neck, shoulder tension and stiffness and fatigue.
Classes also focus on mastering the basic poses in order to develop strength and increase flexibility.
All groups and individuals are encouraged to work at their own pace. Each session is sure to leave you feeling de-stressed and re-energised for the afternoon ahead.
Recent research suggests that yoga is effective for dealing with many chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, anxiety/stress, migraine headaches and chronic low back pain.
*Quotations from the Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation (CHEME), Bangor University.
Could Yoga benefit your workplace?
Contact Kerry to find out how Yoga could benefit you and your team.