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Reasons why incorporating yoga into the workplace might be a great initiative.
Discover how integrating yoga as a workplace wellness intervention can enhance employee health, reduce stress and depressive symptoms, and lower the risk of lifestyle diseases.
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Sanjeev K Yadav
Photo by cookie_studio/Freepik
Today, the health of one’s workforce is becoming an increasingly important issue for many companies worldwide. Companies are beginning to realize that the health and happiness of their workforce is an essential component to the success of their business.
As a result, many businesses are presently introducing wellness programs to implement health initiatives in their places of employment. Employers are pursuing various ways to promote the health of their workforce, such as fostering healthy eating and exercise routines and fostering frequent physical activity. Even though health is constantly developing, particular health practices have lasted the test of time.
For example, yoga is a set of disciplines performed since ancient times. These disciplines include ones for the body, the mind, and the spirit. It is widely known how beneficial yoga can be, and in recent years, the practice has seen a widespread uptick in interest among the general population.
What are the Advantages of Practicing Yoga in the Workplace?
Long working hours, sedentary habits, poor body posture, and stress in the workplace are prevalent issues that negatively impact employee health and well-being at businesses worldwide. Employees’ poor health can be expensive for companies in terms of healthcare costs, absenteeism, and other factors.
According to a study conducted by the Integrated Business Institute (IBI), firms in the United States lose $530 billion each year due to the poor health of their workforce. High healthcare expenditures are one of the reasons why workplace health initiatives are vital.
Low productivity levels due to employees’ poor well-being are another reason these programs are essential. Employers can improve the health and well-being of their workforce by including yoga as part of their corporate wellness initiatives.
The extraordinary advantages of yoga, such as less stress and enhanced physical and mental health, can greatly serve employees. A corporate yoga program can raise team morale, increase employee satisfaction, and spike productivity, among its many potential benefits.
The following are some of the ways that yoga at workplace can help improve the health of an employee:
By assisting workers in overcoming the stress that they experience while on the job
Stress at work has a detrimental effect not just on an employee’s performance but also on their health. If you have employees dealing with stress on the job, incorporating yoga into the office might be an excellent method to help them cope with the stress. Your employees may find that doing yoga helps them relax and gives them time to think about their life. They will be better able to identify sources of stress at work and manage and combat them.
A systematic review published in Occupational Medicine assessed the effectiveness of yoga programs at work. The review found that yoga significantly reduces stress and improves mental health outcomes among employees. The study concluded that yoga has a positive effect on health in the workplace, particularly in reducing stress, without any reported negative effects.
Similarly, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials involving nearly 690 healthcare workers found that yoga, along with other relaxation techniques, significantly reduced work-related stress and enhanced both physical and mental health. This study highlights the potential of yoga to improve well-being in high-stress professions.
By counteracting the health risks associated with inactivity
Most people sit at their desks all day long. In most cases, they will use their time at work in a sedentary manner without engaging in any form of physical activity. Numerous health issues, including overweight and diabetes, have been linked to a lack of physical activity.
Employees can get the physical activity they need to stay healthy and productive by practicing yoga. You can ensure that your employees get enough exercise and stay healthy by including yoga in their regular work routines, as it is an excellent low-impact exercise.
A longitudinal randomized controlled trial published in Occupational Health Science investigated the effectiveness of office-yoga and walking on employees’ health and well-being. The study found that both office-yoga and walking significantly reduced the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints among office workers. This suggests that incorporating yoga into the workday can help mitigate the physical issues associated with prolonged sitting.
Another study discusses the positive effects of workplace physical activity programs, including yoga, on employee well-being. The study found that such programs can significantly improve both physical and mental health, enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace, thereby reducing the risk of conditions like overweight, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
By focusing on improving the posture of workers while they are on the job
Poor posture contributes to back pain, neck discomfort, and other types of pain that can be caused by sitting for long periods of time at work. These kinds of health concerns can impact the performance and productivity of employees. The regular practice of yoga poses can assist workers in maintaining a straight spine and improving their posture while they are on the job.
A study published in Occupational Medicine found that workplace yoga interventions can significantly reduce perceived stress and back pain, while also improving psychological well-being. This suggests that regular yoga practice can help employees maintain better posture and reduce discomfort.
Similarly, another research published in SpringerLink demonstrated that yoga can positively impact musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, and perceived stress among workers in various occupational settings. The study highlighted that yoga helps in managing symptoms related to poor posture and prolonged sitting.
By increasing the flow of blood throughout the body and enhancing employee concentration
One of the advantages of practicing yoga is an increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery to all body parts. The increased availability of oxygen to the brain is associated with improved attention and concentration, which can be of tremendous advantage to the individuals who work for you. In addition, regular yoga practice helps clear mental clutter, making it easier to concentrate on one’s task.
A study reviewed by ScienceDaily found that yoga enhances many of the same brain structures and functions that benefit from aerobic exercise. This includes improved blood flow to the brain, which can help boost cognitive performance and mental clarity.
Another research published in ScienceDaily also shows that yoga and meditation can improve brain function and energy levels. The study suggests that increased blood flow to the brain and reduced focus on ruminative thoughts are key mechanisms behind these cognitive benefits.
By boosting immunity and helping employees stay disease-free
Yoga positively affects the immune system, strengthening and making it more robust. Optimal immune function is essential to stay healthy and avoid diseases and infections. As such, yoga at work can boost the immunity of your employees and prevent illness-related absenteeism.
A systematic review published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine examined the effects of yoga on immune system functioning. The review found that yoga can down-regulate pro-inflammatory markers, which are associated with inflammation and immune response. This suggests that yoga can enhance immune function and potentially reduce the risk of illness.
Another narrative review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies discusses yoga’s potential to bolster innate immunity and inhibit cytokine release syndrome. The review also highlights yoga’s benefits in improving mental health, which indirectly supports immune function by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Fostering an environment at work that is more positive and fulfilling for workers
The practice of yoga is a healthy and effective way to enhance one’s mood and level of relaxation. Serotonin levels go up, and cortisol levels are decreased when you do yoga. Increasing your body’s serotonin synthesis may help you feel happier and less depressed. Increased happiness among workers can help them become more content with their jobs, which can help them perform better on the job.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that yoga practices, including asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), can increase serotonin levels in the brain. This increase in serotonin is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
Research published by SpringerLink indicates that yoga can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels are linked to reduced stress and anxiety, contributing to a more relaxed and positive state of mind.
Tips for incorporating yoga in your workplace
Following our discussion on how yoga practiced at work can benefit the overall health of employees, the following are some suggestions for implementing yoga at your place of business:
- You should start by raising awareness about the health benefits of yoga and educate your personnel on this topic.
- You should seek services from a corporate yoga provider who can teach your staff members various yoga techniques.
- Set a schedule for workplace yoga sessions and select when everyone can participate.
- Choose a space in your workplace where your yoga sessions will be held.
- Encourage engagement from workers by rewarding them with perks like nutritious snacks and refreshing beverages.
- Solicit the feedback of your staff members and write about your experiences on various social media sites to motivate others.
Bringing yoga into the office is a fantastic method to promote employee wellness. Your staff can benefit emotionally, mentally, and spiritually from regular yoga practice, making them more equipped to handle the stresses of modern life.
About the Author
Sanjeev Yadav, M.A. Yoga, P.G. Psych., DNHE
Mr. Sanjeev is a yoga professional specializing in applied yoga, psychology, and human excellence with over more than 8 years of experience as a health and life coach, well-being trainer, and psycho-yogic counselor. He is completing his Ph.D. dissertation in Yoga.
