Yoga As An Enabler In Employee Wellbeing
Introduction
Wellness programs prove to be a powerful tool in promoting a healthy and productive workforce. These programs encompass a range of activities, from yoga and other physical exercises to mental health initiatives, all aiming to nurture employee well-being.
Incorporating the practice of yoga contributes directly to employee productivity. Studies reveal yoga, with its holistic approach to physical and mental well-being, reduces stress, enhances focus and concentration, improves physical fitness, and increases energy levels.
While some blame the pandemic for employees getting detached from their jobs, other factors, such as long working hours and bad experiences in workplaces, also contribute to stress and burnout in employees, which ultimately results in employees leaving the organisation. According to APA’s 2021 Work and Well-being Survey, more than 70% of professionals face work stress. Nearly 3 out of 5 employees lack interest, motivation, or energy to work. This data suggests an increase in the numbers compared to pre covid times, as Covid-19 was emotionally challenging for many and affected people unprecedentedly.
To tackle such problems, one may perform many yoga poses and breathing techniques to help create a sense of calm, allowing one to better manage work-related pressures and challenges. Moreover, yoga encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, enabling employees to make better decisions, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance overall cognitive function.
Negative Impact of Absence of Employee Wellness Programs in the Workplace
One must understand the need to incorporate wellness programs into the workplace. Employees may experience higher stress levels, reduced physical fitness, and diminished well-being without such programs. The lack of such programs has also resulted in increased sedentary behaviour, often linked to health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and decreased energy levels.
Consequently, such employees often struggle to manage stress effectively, reducing focus, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. It has also been observed that the absence of a supportive and inclusive culture woven by these wellness programs leads to decreased employee morale and engagement, ultimately affecting motivation and productivity. Thus, paving the way for a higher attrition rate. Based on Gallup's findings in the State of the Global Workplace report of 2022, most workers feel “emotionally detached” while at work, and the remaining consistently feel “miserable.” The report also indicates that only 9% of employees globally are “thriving and engaged.”
Now, the question arises of how to incorporate employee well-being programs into the workplace to help reduce employee attrition. To achieve success in workforce development and productivity, one needs to assess employee needs, design a comprehensive program that addresses physical and mental well-being, establish a wellness committee, provide resources and support, communicate and raise awareness, and continuously evaluate and upgrade the program according to the changing needs of the employees. When an organisation continues to indulge in these steps, it will lead to a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.
Here are some benefits of workplace wellness programs, such as the positive impact of yoga and other physical activities on employee engagement and overall performance.
- Enhancing Physical Health and Energy Levels: Implementing innovative approaches to incorporating yoga into the workplace helps organisations to tap into the multitude of benefits that yoga offers, including productivity, employee satisfaction, and enhancement in physical health and energy levels. When employees are physically healthy, they tend to have higher energy levels, improved focus, and increased productivity. Wellness programs like yoga help employees stay fit, reduce the risk of illness, and manage stress effectively.
- Fostering Mental Well-being: Employee well-being is a wide area of focus beyond physical health. It encompasses mental well-being as well. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent in today’s work environment and can significantly impact employee performance. Incorporating yoga can help develop resilience, reduce anxiety, and create a positive work-life balance. Incorporation of brief yoga-inspired mindfulness exercises between work transitions is said to reduce distraction, helping employees to seamlessly shift from one work to another, thus enhancing productivity.
- Building a Supportive and Inclusive Culture: Workplace wellness programs, in general, create a positive environment where employees feel valued and supported. Organisations that invest in the employees’ well-being send a powerful message that the health and happiness of their employees matter. Studies reveal that yoga sessions foster teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie among employees when conducted collaboratively. These allow colleagues to bond, support each other and create a sense of belonging, ultimately fostering a more engaged workforce.
- Boosting Employee Engagement and Productivity: Employees who feel cared for and supported by their employers are often more likely to be committed to their work. One of the reasons is workplace wellness programs that highly contribute to increased job satisfaction.
- Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: In today’s competitive job market, organisations must go beyond traditional employee benefits to attract and retain top talent. Workplace wellness programs provide employees with a balanced work-life environment by prioritizing well-being. Employees who feel valued are more likely to choose that company over others, which will, in turn, help in reducing turnover rates and other associated costs.
- Cultivates Positive Attitudes: Beyond physical practice, organisations can offer yoga-based mindset workshops that cultivate positive attitudes, resilience, and stress management techniques. These workshops can explore mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion, empowering employees with tools to navigate challenges and setbacks. By incorporating yoga philosophy and principles into the workplace culture, organisations can create a more positive, supportive, and productive environment.
- Integrating Virtual Yoga Sessions: With the rise of remote work and flexible work arrangements, virtual yoga sessions can be an innovative way to bring employees together and promote well-being. Companies can organise live-streamed or recorded yoga classes that employees can access from anywhere. Virtual sessions offer convenience and facilitate connection and social interaction among remote or distributed teams, fostering a sense of community and improving overall engagement and productivity.
The Science Behind Yoga and Well-being
If we look at the science behind yoga and well-being, it reveals many benefits that extend beyond the physical realm. Studies reveal that practicing yoga positively influences mental, emotional, and social well-being. From a physiological perspective, yoga activates the body’s relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones and promoting a state of calm and balance. Regarding mental well-being, yoga enhances brain function, cognitive abilities, and emotional regulation.
One does not really have to spend hours doing yoga. Rather, simple yoga exercises can also be performed at the desk within a few minutes. People indulging in simple desk yoga exercises can improve blood circulation, release tension, and promote relaxation, ultimately boosting well-being and productivity throughout the workday.
Thus, these scientific findings provide a solid foundation for understanding how yoga positively impacts overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
The inclusion of the practice of yoga and other physical activities has a profound impact on employee experience and performance. These programs improve the health of the employees both - physically as well as mentally. Thus, building employees' well-being, a strategic decision yields multiple benefits for organisations, including attracting and retaining top talent. By prioritising workplace wellness, companies can create an environment where employees thrive, leading to a happier, more engaged, and high-performing workforce.
