Unlock the Benefits of Corporate Yoga: Increase Productivity and Well-Being

We all have days at work when we just can't seem to focus, and it seems like our to-do lists keep growing. With the added stress of balancing our family lives with already busy careers, it can become difficult for us to stay motivated and find ways to decompress from life's challenges. One thing that can help? Yoga!

Understanding stress in the workplace

Stress in the workplace is a growing issue for employers and employees alike in Canada. In fact, Telus Health's Mental Health Index revealed an even split, with 26% of Canadians indicating that work stressors are their primary sources of stress and 26% citing personal stressors. That's a lot of stress, and it can significantly affect employees' physical, mental and emotional well-being. Many of us feel overwhelmed because of too much work, a tight deadline, or an unsupportive boss. But as workplace stress increases, so do its negative consequences, such as:

• More sick days

• Poor job performance

• Reduced productivity and efficiency

• Inability to focus on tasks at hand

• Reduced enthusiasm for tasks or projects

• Reduce job satisfaction

• Increased absenteeism and turnover rate

Despite the challenges, there are steps you can take to help your employees manage their stress. One of the best ways to do that is by adding a corporate yoga program to your workplace. The practice of yoga is a holistic approach that combines physical postures (asanas) and breathing practices (pranayama) with meditation and mindfulness. Let's take a closer look at how yoga can help your employees manage stress.

Yoga: a tool to reduce workplace stress

Practicing yoga can help calm and relax the body and mind, making it easier for us to manage stress. This is because yoga helps to reduce the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bodies. By calming and balancing our nervous system, we can better manage our emotional responses to stressful situations while decreasing the physical effects of stress on our bodies.

These benefits can have a direct impact on workplace performance. Studies have found that employee yoga programs can help to reduce stress-related absenteeism, increase job satisfaction and improve overall work performance. Moreover, employees who practice yoga may be better equipped to handle the stressors of their job.

Incorporating workplace yoga into your workplace culture can be a great way to promote employee health and well-being. Not only can it help your employees manage stress, but it can also give them the opportunity to bond with their colleagues and create more meaningful connections. And this can have a positive impact on the overall morale of your office.

Some great examples of workplace yoga in action are Google, Apple, and even Amazon. They all have successfully implemented corporate yoga programs, proving that yoga at work is a win-win for both employers and employees.

How to start a workplace yoga program

Whether you're looking to start a yoga program for your company or just want to introduce a few of the practices into your office, there are numerous ways to get started.

If you're looking for more long-term results, consider bringing in a yoga instructor and implementing regular classes or workshops focusing on deep relaxation and stress management. These classes can be tailored to your company's needs, such as offering yoga for desk workers or a more vigorous practice for those who work out regularly. You can also offer yoga sessions at lunchtime or after work to give employees a chance to take some time for themselves in the middle of their workday. This will allow them to get up and move, release some of that built-up tension, and return to their desk feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new tasks.

For employers looking for a more low-key approach, you could put up posters around the office to remind employees to take breaks and practice mindful breathing. You could also hold short sessions during staff meetings or team-building exercises to teach basic poses and breathing techniques that can be used in the office. Below are some of my favourite poses to help with neck pain, back pain, and posture:

Top 8 Best Yoga Poses for Stress Relief

1. Neck stretches: These are great for relieving tension and stress in the neck and shoulders. Simple stretches like shoulder rolls, side bends, and gentle nods can help to ease the strain built up from staring at a computer or smartphone screen all day.

2. Downward dog: This popular yoga pose stretches the spine and hamstrings while strengthening the core. By doing this pose regularly, you can help to improve posture, reduce tension in the back and neck, and increase flexibility.

3. Warrior poses: These poses help strengthen the legs and core while expanding the range of motion in the hips and shoulders. They can help to reduce stress levels and improve focus while also helping to promote proper posture.

4. Reclined twist: This simple pose can help to relieve tension and stiffness in the spine and neck. It also helps to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue while promoting greater calmness and relaxation.

5. Triangle pose: This pose helps to open up the hips and chest while also strengthening the legs, back and core. Doing this pose regularly can help to improve posture, reduce tension and increase flexibility. By incorporating these poses into your routine, you can help to alleviate stress, improve posture, and reduce

6. Pigeon pose: This pose helps open up the hips while increasing flexibility, range of motion and balance. It can help to reduce pain in the lower back

7. Waterfall: This pose helps to relax the nervous system, reducing stress and tension while increasing flexibility in the lower back.

8. Restorative fish pose: This pose helps to increase spinal flexibility, relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, and improve digestion.

Conclusion

Getting started with corporate yoga can be a great way to reduce stress and tension in the workplace. By introducing regular yoga classes, workshops or mindful moments into your office, you can help to create a healthier, more productive environment for your team. Whether it's a full-blown program or just a few simple poses to prevent neck and back pain, corporate yoga can be an excellent way to give your employees the tools they need to stay healthy, happy, and productive. Happy stretching!

Bring peace and productivity to your Toronto workplace with Yoga by Steph! Enjoy 1-hour group classes, 45-minute sessions, 30-minute yoga flows, 30-minute meditation flows, or even design your custom session with Yoga A La Carte. Connect with me to book your corporate yoga session today and discover the many benefits of yoga in the workplace!