We have lots of demands on our time and allocating time for yoga and mindfulness often falls low on our priority list. Research shows, however, that investing in yoga and mindfulness programs on company grounds helps staff work more productively and reduces the number of sick days.
The author of Mindful Work and New York Times reporter David Gelles see mindfulness on the rise: “I think mindfulness is being accepted in the workplace today because we need it more than ever, it seems. We are so stressed. We are so bombarded with constant information overload. We are so addicted to our technology that the promise of a technique that allows us to come back to the present moment and stop obsessing about whatever it we just read in our Twitter stream or what we’re about to post on our Facebook page has a unique and enduring allure that is totally understandable. I mean, after a totally frenetic workday here at The Times, the opportunity to quiet down is totally lovely.”
If you’re interested in setting up a company supported yoga studio where you work, here are some helpful suggestions.
Be clear about your goals and the company’s interests
Providing wellness options for staff can take many forms. What are the you aiming at and what is the company willing to do?
• A room for yoga and meditation
• A visiting yoga/meditation teacher on hire
• A local yoga studio nearby that will offer classes at your office location
• Subsidize the cost of staff visits to a local yoga studio or meditation center
Talk to Staff – Measure Interest
Talk with colleagues about starting a yoga or meditation program in the office and measure interest. If you take a survey, write down the results. If colleagues favor starting an in-office program, you can share the results with management as evidence for why you want to bring yoga and meditation practices into the workplace.
Speak to Human Resources
Once you’re clear on your objectives and have the support of staff, speak with the person who leads the human resources department. If you have a staff council representative, bring that person into the discussion. Explore the possibilities.
Employee-Supported Program
Even if your company is slow to support your yoga and meditation program, your fellow employees might want to share the cost of bringing in a yoga/meditation teacher to offer in-office classes a few times a week.
From: Pilgrimage Yoga