Do daily yoga and meditation classes at the job sound like workplace heaven? Be the change you want to see. Follow these tips from Tevis Trower, founder of Balance Integration Corporation on how to get your company to offer yoga classes at work.
You’ve heard of companies where chair massage, raw food bars, yoga, and dogs at work are a reality. While work-sponsored daily sushi may be out of the question at your office, use these easy steps to make your yoga-at-work dreams come true:
Corporate yogis unite
Identify how many of your coworkers are interested in participating. Depending on the size of your organization, this can be as easy as asking for a show of hands at next all-hands meeting, or for larger populations, try sending a short online survey you can make for free on sites like Survey Monkey. Be sure to get their preferences of day/time while you’re at it.
Location, location, location
Think through where you might be able to have the class. Is there a rooftop available in the summer? A conference room with moveable tables? A kitchen or common area that empties out after hours? Remember you need a spot that is reasonably clean, reliably available, and preferably won’t expose you and your fellow yogis to direct midday sunlight.
Do the numbers
Get the lowdown on exactly what the costs will be. Your favorite teacher might be interested, but if not, many studios offer corporate yoga. Check with each to find out about costs, and scope of services.
Fact check
A quick online search for research on the benefits of daily movement upon productivity can help you make your case to even the most hardlining decision-maker. You can also check out Harvard Professor John Ratey’s book Spark for some great data on why daily movement is a must.
Once you’ve gathered your information, you’re ready to make your case. Let whomever you believe to be the ultimate decision-maker know you’d like to discuss a productivity initiative, schedule a time, and be sure to do a great yoga practice before the meeting. Breath in, breath out, remember, even if they don’t go for it, you can rest knowing you’ve done your very best.