Would you believe me if I tell you that, companies lose more money due to lack of employee productivity than due to any other factors? Do you know that 71% of US workers consider their workplace a significant source of stress? And almost 51% of Americans report believe that job stress is the biggest contributor of loss of productivity[1].
As funny as it may sound, a recent survey conducted by Academic and Business Research Institute revealed that people are in US are so stressed that almost 79% have accepted stress as a part and fact of their work lives[2]. Doesn’t sound too fair, right?
The stats clearly indicate that, stress might be the next epidemic. Giving out so much control to stress is wrong. But, this is what is happening people!
And companies, even after compensating for all kinds of medical issues and vacations, are still bleeding lots of money just because their employees are stressed on a regular basis. Its a chain reaction, you see.
Stress – The New Epidemic
Stress manifests itself in many forms which can be segregated mainly under three heads:[2]
- 48% of all people surveyed reported lack of sleep or wakefulness
- 43% fell under irregular appetite, meaning either loss of appetite or stressful binge.
- Majority, almost 77% reported constant headache and body aches
Too much of stats, eh?
What the Employer loses
An employee under stress will suffer from a reduced attention span and working memory, due to deteriorating health and would ultimatelly be left frustrated. This would affect not only his relationships but energy levels also.
Now, let’s look at how a stressed employee affects his/her employer:
- Loss in productivity
- Decreased motivation
- Reduced job satisfaction
- Increased absenteeism
- Higher number of bad decisions
What an Organization loses
The effect, as we know, finally trickles down, manifolded, on the organization. Its either in form of lower profits or higher cost per employee. Another study found out that health-related work losses are estimated to cost US employers more than $260 billion each year. And I am not adding to your worry but, this is excluding the direct medical compensation.
When a company, on average spends almost $29.18 per hour on each of its employee, losing this huge sum over work stress, does not sound very intelligent[3].
So, how do we break this cycle?
It may sound repetitive though, but Yoga IS THE ANSWER. Let’s see how a yogic intervention can help you increase profits by making your employees more productive. Did I mention the results are pretty quick?!
1. Lack of sleep or wakefulness
50-70 million US adults have reported problems falling asleep or nocturnal awakenings[4].
How Yoga helps turn insomnia to fresh energy:
When yoga participants were compared to the non yoga group, it was observed that, participants of Bikram Yoga reported decreased nocturnal awakenings and feeling of freshness in morning after only a 14 day practice[5].
2. Irregular appetite
35% US adults are obese and, approximately 70% suffer from lifestyle induced metabolic disorders[6].
How Yoga helps restore balance:
When practiced regularly for six months, a research concluded that, yoga balances metabolic system (BMR reduced to by 13%) with its stimulatory and inhibitory practices. This implies, with only little lifestyle modification, people could regulate their appetite as well as emotional distress[7].
3. Headache and body aches
90% of US citizens suffer from one or other kind of headache or body ache[8].
How Yoga helps relax:
Therapeutic and relaxing practices of yoga also include Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). A study in this context reported 31% decrease in medical symptoms, a 31% decrease in psychological distress and 17% decrease in ‘daily hassles’[9].
How many days of Yoga?
You hit the cause, you solve the problem.
Besides, if you have been following our posts, you must be knowing that exercising, especially ones like yoga, give you more energy.
1 session can maintain metabolism up to 48 hours. This implies, 3 days a week is enough to keep you fresh and brimming with energy all through the week.[10]
Final question: How many hours of yoga does one need?
A couch potato study found out that having a desk job (sedentary lifestyle) is equivalent to smoking. A 52% higher risk of heart failure![11]
According to scientists, 150 mins of physical activity per week is sufficient to keep one’s heart healthy. When split it 3 days a week, it gives you 50 mins of yoga, every alternate day.
Simple, right?!
This brings us to results
- After a 20-minute session of Hatha yoga, participants’ speed and accuracy was tested for brain’s ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information. A significant improvement was found in brain function[12]. Memory, attention, cognition – check!
- When participants chanted Om for just 10 minutes, a synergistic effect was observed on the vital systems i.e. heartbeat, breathing, brain waves, etc. along with reduction in stress indicators[13]. Frustration – gone!
- After a year long practice of Iyengar yoga for 90 minutes weekly, participants reported significant reduction in negative attitude and mood swings. The study also found back bends to be more effective than rest[14]. Positive attitude – done!
- A group of healthy, untrained volunteers when practiced yoga for around an year (2-3 times a week for an hour) reported improved muscle strength, flexibility, and stamina[15]. Finally, health and energy – sky rocketed!
Reminding you once again, health-related work losses cost US employers more than $260 billion each year. So, you can see how much you’ll save with little investment in a yoga session at office. And you do realize, dollars saved are dollars earned. Don’t you?!
From: Workout Trends