Yoga classes help workplace wellbeing for Stafford firm

Yoga classes could be the key to solving workplace stress – and one Stafford company is already trying it out.

Stafford yoga teacher Claudia Brown has just begun a lunchtime class at Dentsu Aegis Network.

She said employers who understood the link between healthy, happy and energised staff and their profitability, quality of work and better productivity, actively promoted proactive wellbeing programmes for their staff.

Claudia, who works with premier league football clubs such as Manchester United and Manchester City and produced a fitness DVD with Ryan Giggs, said: “It’s fantastic to be contacted by a local company who don’t just talk about staff wellbeing, but actively take steps to introduce classes of this type into the workplace.

“I can offer a range of tools and techniques using yoga, breathing techniques and meditation which will actively reduce stress-related illness, employee absence and related costs, relieve fatigue and improve concentration and motivation.”

Lucy Norris, from Dentsu Aegis, said: “Our lunchtime yoga class with Claudia is brilliant, it leaves everyone feeling refreshed and stress free. Claudia makes everyone feel so comfortable, and we all have a laugh at the same time. It has produced a real buzz and excitement around the office, I wish we could do it every day.”

Claudia says yoga moves can increase strength, flexibility and balance, boost energy levels and help to improve concentration. It is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains, depression and stress, and can also help with weight loss.

Breath control can help to lower the heart rate in times of stress, increase lung capacity, improve relaxation and calm the mind, improve focus and energise the body.

Meditation and mindfulness can also help to reduce stress and improve mood.