“Yoga always helps.”
Those three words from Hillary Clinton following her testimony on Benghazi had yogis smiling knowingly.
And, it can also help employees at work. Happy workers are more productive, and simply offering a raise does not always do the trick. Offering benefits beyond the basics is a great way to keep employees motivated and satisfied at their job. An on-site yoga class not only teaches wellness on the mat, but transfers to life off the mat and into the workplace as well.
Corporate wellness is seemingly a new buzzword these days. With healthcare costs rising, preventative care is an obvious choice. Many come to their mat for the physical benefits yoga offers: flexibility, balance and strength. But over time, students realize the mental health benefits that develop as well: confidence, less stress, positive attitude, more focused and goal-oriented. These are the attributes you want in your employees.
Some employers have a gym on-site, but a conference room works just fine. A yoga teacher will bring in straps and blocks; and employees will often bring their own mats. Classes at work are laid back. Everyone usually knows each other. It is a chance to kick back in a completely different scene with co-workers. I have seen some students come and go, but for the most part, my corporate students are the same core group.
As their teacher, I have seen changes in their physical bodies, yes, but it is also fun to see the camaraderie, confidence, and the sense that the group is a team, that starts to develop. I watch them taking chances and everyone rooting for each other. I have seen one student yell out, “Oh, hell no!” the first time I demonstrated Bird of Paradise. And then I watched that same student do that pose a few months later.
At one company, I taught four times a week (two classes a day) and a student in her early 60s came to every class––yes, she came twice a day! Two of my students are within weeks of giving birth and have practiced throughout their pregnancies. As any teacher will tell you, watching a student’s progress is completely gratifying.
Generally, noon and after work times are the most popular classes. An early class before work is also an option. Two classes a week at 45-60 minutes is ideal. Offering both a gentle class and a stronger class will provide appeal to everyone. Of course, a qualified teacher will be able to address all levels in one class.
Hiring a teacher from a reputable school is a must. Both the employer and the teacher will have students sign a release. Check with your yoga teacher to make sure they have insurance. Ideally, they will also be certified in CPR.
For those yoga teachers considering employment in the corporate setting, for most jobs, there are no weekends, no evenings and holidays are off. I have the freedom to offer a variety of styles to expose students to different areas of yoga. My classes are primarily vinyasa, but I have done slow flow classes, Yin, chair, yoga fusion (a blend of yoga, weights and Pilates) and a class in the style of Bikram (without the heat). In various classes, we have explored mudras, chakras, breath work and yoga philosophy. It has been a very rewarding position.
Offering an on-site yoga class to your employees is an inexpensive way to show your employees that you care about them and the benefits will be worth the cost. Remember, yoga always helps.
From: Yoganonymous