How Yoga Can Improve Your Corporate Culture
Posted On : 01 June 2022.
Posted By : Yogi Mahesh Chetan.
A study by the American Institute of Stress quotes: "Almost 75 per cent to 90 per cent of medical visits in the US are in one way or the other correlated to stress."
Well, the above statistics are quite alarming! Isn't it?
Modern-day work-related stress is one of the culprits here. It affects both the corporate and the individual equally. (Companies across the globe annually spend a considerable amount of money due to its effects like medical expenses, absenteeism, resignation, hiring of new employees, etc. ) That's why, in today's world, stress management is becoming the need of the hour. Many global corporate giants like Google, Apple, HBO, Forbes, GE, etc., have already adopted measures for improving the holistic wellness of their employees.
At this juncture, it's vital to impart the knowledge and practice of yoga and meditation to corporate employees.
Why yoga Course?
Yoga is a widely accepted stress management technique, proven for its positive effects on the practitioner's physical and mental realms. Yoga is not just physical exercise; it also has practices like breathing exercises and meditation for managing stress and improving emotional wellness. It's a healthy sign that the senior leadership team and the HR (Human Resources) department of many corporations have decided to add yoga programs to their initiatives for employee wellness.
Let's see how yoga could improve the corporate work culture:
1. As a Preventive Solution:
Both employees and corporations (who sponsor their employees' medical expenses) spend a lot of money on the healthcare front due to stress & lifestyle illnesses. Thus, it's certainly a good approach if corporations focus on preventive measures that could further reduce workplace stress. This could resolve the root cause of stress-related illnesses. Yoga and meditation are equally beneficial mental, physical & emotional techniques. Introducing yoga programs to employees has the following benefits.
Introducing yoga programs to employees has the following benefits.
1. It improves their physical strength.
2. Boosts the immunity .
3. Improves productivity at work.
4. Minimizes workplace stress.
5. Gives the practitioner a calm & balanced state of mind.
And we can't stress enough how important these factors are in the workplace!
2. A Sense of Care:
Employers offering corporate wellness programs tell their employees a subtle message that they are being valued at the workplace and that their health and wellness matter. When people sit and work for long hours in front of computers, their health is compromised due to stress, poor posture, lack of physical movement, etc. Encouraging people to take short 5-minute breaks and providing them with regular yoga sessions addresses these issues. People want to work for organizations that treat them respectfully and care for their wellness, not just the financial turnovers.
And what good way for organizations to tell their employees that they care than a wellness program like yoga and meditation?
3. Creating a Positive Work Culture & Environment
These days, we hear a lot about hectic work culture, where employees are stressed out and think of resigning. Creating a positive work environment is the moral responsibility of every organization. In terms of revenue, preparing employees to manage stress is essential for both the employee and the employer in the long run. Creating awareness of health and wellness is the initial step. This can be done by conducting expert talk sessions explaining the harmful effects of stress and lack of exercise on the body and the mind.
When employees are encouraged to take meditation breaks at the workplace, it helps them de-stress and work with a calmer state of mind, with more focus on the task at hand. Also, when people do yoga in a group, it fosters team spirit.
How to organize sessions?
Organizations could figure out multiple ways to impart yoga sessions to their corporate workforce. It could be either through entirely sponsoring the sessions for employees or sharing a part of their course fee. Another way is to arrange yoga sessions at the workplace, where interested employees pay individually for their classes. (Yoga sessions could also be conducted online, which helps employees working remotely attend the same.)
It's good news that nowadays, many corporate offices have dedicated meditation rooms where people can sit and meditate. When employees focus on their physical and emotional wellness, it benefits the employers through improved productivity. Yes, yoga paves the way for positive changes in the organization!