Everything you need to know about Corporate Yoga & Wellness

yoga in a business suit


More and more companies are caring for their employees' emotional and physical health. It's an investment - happy and healthy employees mean more productivity and less quitting.


Corporate yoga sounds like an oxymoron. One would connect "yoga" with terms such as spirituality, religion, abstract theories, and philosophy. So what does it do with the dry, structured, stressful corporate world?


The truth is that yoga can be everything. As with many other complex Eastern theories and teachings, we choose certain aspects and adapt them to the Western world through the prism of our understanding and way of living. 


office yoga


Uncertain about what yoga is and what we will do makes some people suspicious of taking yoga classes. I have been teaching company yoga classes for almost two years. There is a difference between the company yoga classes and group studio classes in participants' leisure time. The people who come to my regular studio classes for the first time usually know what to expect and what yoga is about. Maybe they have done yoga already, or someone recommended it to them, or they read about yoga's multiple benefits and want to try it.


In the company yoga classes, there will always be people who have yet to learn what yoga is. They may not even be interested to find out. However, if the Company provides this service, they might want to try it and do an activity with their colleagues.


For them, I try to keep the classes easily accessible, with less dogma, less spirituality, and more concrete exercises and tools to manage stress. I have been surprised by how fast the Company's yoga practitioners learn and want to learn more aspects of yoga. The company classes need to be fun. After all, this is a team event and should create a stress-free environment, especially if the company classes take place after the usual working time or during lunch break.


I recommend beginning with one company yoga class a week, and if there is interest from the side employees, could be added one more session a week.


Yoga at Work


For some people, this one hour of yoga a week might be their only physical activity. Others might be quite sporty, and yoga classes can balance their weekly routine. A central aspect of my teaching is the principle of embodiment. Especially for intellectual workers, bringing awareness back into the body is essential. We often live too much in our heads and are not connected to the body. It sounds paradoxical, there might be physical pain that we can avoid, or we might get sick and not be aware of it until it is too late. Often if we have a little bit of pain, we immediately take painkillers to block the body sensations to stop the pain. We eat just something, not thinking about if this is what the body needs. We work hours and hours in an uncomfortable position.


Are you getting my point? There is a lot our bodies want to tell us. That's what "listening to your body" is all about. Sometimes, what we need is to be aware of our body sensations. Many emotions, feelings, and memories are stored in our physical bodies and find their way to communicate with us through pain, tension, and discomfort. 


In the yoga classes, we create a safe space to explore that connection between body-mind-breath. The word yoga means "union." We focus on healthy alignment and correct performance of the poses to bring awareness back into the body. We target the activation of muscle groups we usually can't consciously activate, "blind spots." With the tools of Asana as physical yoga practice, we take care of a healthy spine in the first place. We treat the body as a whole system. Everything from the feet to the crown of the head is connected and works together.


Office Yoga.


Many office employees complain of back pain, shoulder and neck tension, and wrists discomforts. The sedentary way of life leaves its imprints on the body, and with the help of yoga practice at the end of the working day, we can stretch, strengthen and release stress. In the company yoga classes, we also observe the way we breathe. Breathing can be a mirror to our emotional state. Through breathwork, we can influence your nervous system. We can both activate it or cool it down.


In the company yoga classes, we learn tools for self-observations that we can use daily to improve our well-being. Correcting the upright spine position, calming down the mind by controlling the breath, taking mindful breaks, reconnecting to the inner self, proceeding with emotions and impressions, and setting goals and intentions can all be improved with regular yoga practice.



yoga auf dem Arbeitsplatz


The primary purposes of regular yoga sessions for companies are to promote employees' long-term health and motivation, increase productivity, and improve their work-life balance. Employee investment is an investment in the Company - it always pays off in the long term.


The classes are tailor-made according to the needs of the participants and their level. The duration can be 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes: 


  • The most optimal length of the class is 60 minutes. One hour is necessary for a proper warm-up, building some intensity with strengthening poses and dynamic flows (if wished), cooling down with deep stretching, and finishing with a short relaxation.


  • Although, if there is not enough time, we can conduct a shorter 30-minute session. For example, during the lunch break, if the employees want time left for lunch after class. In 30 minutes, we can practice breathing techniques, meditation and mindfulness, easy stretches for the shoulder and neck, and relaxation techniques. We can perform simple exercises on a chair without changing clothes or needing special equipment or room for it.


  • If only 45 minutes are available, we can cut off the intensity part and go for gentle stretches and slow flows to mobilize the body, improve blood circulation, and stretch. Or we could reduce the stretching and relaxation time and go for a quick power yoga session to knock out the stress from the body, making everyone feel the muscle burn and sweat.


  • Suppose the class is a little longer and we go for 75 minutes instead of the classical one hour. In that case, we can get those extra 15 minutes to practice meditation, learn breathing techniques, or simply for extended relaxation. 


  • As you can see, there is much to do during one yoga class! So much more than "just stretching." Suppose you wish for a more extended class. In that case, we can conduct a weekly 90-minute session, like a mini-retreat, mindful oasis after work, perhaps in the middle of the week. I recommend only going for the most extended class if the employees are familiar with yoga and are interested in exploring various aspects of the yoga practice. After all, we want to ensure they will have a positive experience and won't be bored or challenged too much.



betriebsyoga


We can do the session in the meeting room or a specially rented for the purpose venue nearby. The employees must bring comfortable clothes and change for the yoga session. After class, they can go home immediately and continue the evening without returning to the office. This way, they entirely switch off after the working day.



yoga fitness in the office


  • Improving stress management

We intervene in neurology and effectively direct the energy system with targeted breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises. Especially when employees meet high demands, they need to learn how to cultivate a positive mental change and prevent burnout states.


  • Increasing energy level and productivity

Mental recovery phases are essential to staying productive in the long run. Employees develop mental alertness to direct their energy consciously. Regular yoga practice increases long-term productivity, motivation, quality of life, self-confidence, trust in one's potential, and satisfaction, and is a way to happy and resilient employees.


  • Improving body posture and physical health

Staying healthy is a present condition and an ongoing task. We have to keep taking care of it. Physical yoga practice (asanas and their connection into "flows") counter the sedentary working day. The employees learn the necessary movement sequences in yoga to strengthen the body and develop stable body awareness.


  • Team-Building

It's fun to exercise with your colleagues and see them in a different light. Sometimes, that's the only place employees from various departments can get in touch and even get to know each other! The chit-chats before and after class grow cohesion in the team for a better working atmosphere. The people will also have different work-related things besides work - such as yoga! During yoga classes, there is no hierarchy. Team leaders and team members practice the same poses. Yoga is no competition, so the bosses can drop their superiority and practice the second warrior pose with their employees.



yoga for companies


Corporate yoga is more and more popular around the globe. No wonder - it has multiple benefits. Yoga classes in the office work as a team-building, promote health and well-being, its fun, and increase productivity. Yes, they do. Innovative and sustainable companies invest in preventive healthcare for their employees. Yoga reduces stress and supports relaxation, which could help prevent burnout and possibly reduce sick leaves.


The yoga classes at work can include physical practice (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness according to the individual needs of the employees. They are easy and understandable for all participants. Both new to yoga and regular yoga practitioners can participate.


Through yoga, one can improve the neuromuscular connection (body-mind), gain self-knowledge, understand the body and one's limits, and be present in the current moment. The participants learn to take responsibility for their health and discover their full potential.


Amongst the multiple benefits of office yoga classes are the following:

  • ​keeps team spirit and improves the working atmosphere
  • promotes productivity and creativity
  • improves both physical and mental health
  • supports the immune system
  • learning relaxation techniques for daily use
  • reduces stress and tension
  • helps against burnout and depression


team-building yoga


I can rent a venue near your office if you don't have one or require more space. I can also ensure yoga mats if that's more convenient for you.


If you are interested, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at:

yoga@yordanka.at

or +436765706388


Business Yoga


With the development of human civilization and technology, more and more through the centuries, we have moved towards a sedentary way of life. We have invented various technical equipment to save time and physical energy. Cooking, cleaning, transportation, washing - you name it. Just look around yourself and consider how many items you can't live without you will notice. Did your mother or grandmother have such?


Change in the way of life over the generations requires an adequate and timely readjustment in healthy habits. Nowadays, we sit longer, and we move less than our ancestors. We live more in our heads than in our bodies. Paradoxal as we are body-obsessed and body-centered, yet not body-aware! 


Here comes yoga to help and bring balance between body and mind. Another paradox because yoga is ancient knowledge that we reencounter through the prism of our contemporary urban understanding. Thousands of years old practice comes to help us deal with the modern world.


Nowadays, millions of people perform a sedentary job, which often leads to problems with the back or headaches. Many office workers typically experience shoulder, neck, and lower back discomfort. Wrist pain, round spine, tightened hip flexors, and hamstrings can also be prevalent. With the help of targeted yoga exercises, we can preventively relax the body so that painful tension or malpositions do not occur in the first place. 


That companies offer yoga for their employees is nothing new or unusual. In the US, this has been a fact for decades. (Indra Devi was conducting "yoga breaks" for factory workers in Dallas already in 1963). More and more companies organize physical or mindful team events to promote health amongst their employees and to keep the team spirit up.


corporate sport


Restorative asanas, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises can benefit everyone, especially those with physically demanding jobs. For jobs with prolonged sitting, I recommend dynamic asana practice to strengthen the muscles and build strength as a counter to the working day.


Yoga reduces stress levels while increasing performance, which is essential for employees and employers to maintain a work-life balance. The modern disease "burnout," which was considered a managers' disease, is now widespread. Yoga's self-observations techniques help a great deal to doesn't get that far. Regular yoga practice increases sensitivity to one's body's feelings, which is necessary to perceive signals from the body early and take appropriate countermeasures. 


As an employer, you can specifically promote the health of your employees with the help of weekly team yoga classes. Regular yoga sessions can do the following for your employees:

  •  Strengthen team cohesion
  •  Promote well-being and relaxation
  •  Increase stamina and concentration
  •  Reduce stress levels
  •  Reduce sick leaves


yoga for business


The classes can occur during the lunch break, in the morning, or in the evening. They can be online via Zoom or in person. In-person classes can happen in the office if a meeting room is available. (We can push the tables and chairs aside to make space). I can also rent a room in an easy-to-commute yoga/fitness studio where the team can exercise together.


Some clients prefer team classes outside the office - to entirely switch off the working environment.


The costs for business yoga depend on the number of participants and the location. I am happy to make a tailor-made offer that suits both sides.


I offer tailor-made solutions for every customer. We can discuss what suits you best, and together we will devise a strategy and set dates.

You can contact me at:

 yoga@yordanka.at

or +436765706388


I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I am looking forward to hearing from you.


firmenyoga


More and more companies worldwide are actively assuming responsibility for employees' health. Over the past years, significantly in popularity is growing yoga in the workplace. Austria needs to catch up to the trends. Yoga courses are part of workplace health promotion in many sustainable companies.


What makes yoga more popular and desirable as a team activity than even fitness or entertainment activities? The reasons are very complex, as yoga is very complex. Regular yoga courses take care of the employee's physical and mental well-being. At the same time, they are fun and keep the team spirit up.


I have been giving weekly company classes since 2021 and see their positive impact on the participants. I adjust the units according to the participants' level and wishes. Sometimes, the sessions are relaxing, including many stretches and gentle flows. If new employees are participating for the first time, I give easy-to-follow poses and techniques. Suppose experienced yoga participants or sporty beginners join. In that case, the session can be dynamic and intensive, including strengthening poses and fluid sequences.


Some of the employees are interested in more than just stretching and strengthening. Then I offer short meditations, pranayama, and philosophy as a part of the session. Suppose the participants want to avoid being bothered with abstract theories. In that case, we keep the classes relatively physical, only using yoga asanas to work out and relax. I design all the courses individually according to the company culture and the employees. I curate every class individually for the participants on that given day.



yoga für Büromitarbeiter


On request, I could take over the organization and help with internal communication if that would motivate the people and clarify the process.


I organize an individual event as a workshop to promote health through yoga in the workplace. If the employees like it and want to continue, we can schedule similar yoga events weekly.


If engaging with regular yoga in the long term is not yet for you, we can start with a 10-week course that employees can take part in voluntarily,


Since 2020 I also offer online live courses via Zoom and yoga videos.


If you are interested, you can contact me:

 yoga@yordanka.at or

+436765706388


yoga in a business suit


Simple yoga exercises can be done directly at the workplace, even in a business outfit. Together we can work on a tense neck, stiff shoulders, and aching back to improve your posture. We mobilize the spine and relax the mind through simple activities for which we don't need special equipment or much space. 


Breathing techniques, relaxations, autogenic training, and guided meditations are possible in the usual office wear. All business yoga classes are designed individually according to our available space and time. 



yoga in a meeting room


Perfect! I come to your Company and teach employees on-site. If there is enough space to unroll mats, we could have many options for standing, sitting, and supine yoga poses. If we have one hour available and the employees bring sports clothes to change into, we could go for dynamic practice with deeper stretches and strengthening exercises. 


If we don't have space for yoga mats, we could do chair yoga exercises - specifically designed for office employees. Ideally, during the lunch break, before or after work. It could also be within working hours, adding an extra "mindful break." I recommend an optimal time for a mindful break of 30 minutes, once a week, as a minimum length for having benefits of the practice.



yoga in the conference room


The best time is in the morning, before working hours, or any time during the day if the employees are in a home office. After all, having company yoga classes is an investment in human recourses that pay off.


Regular yoga classes are an excellent benefit for the employees. They create necessary relaxation in the workplace (or at home office) to work effectively and efficiently again. We spend significant parts of our lives at work - so it is vital that employees are healthy, active, and satisfied.


Yoga contributes to the well-being of the employees, as well as their productivity.


firmen wellness


If you
are still determining whether regular yoga is something your employees will be interested in long-term. That could be an after-work event, team building, or a retreat - I'll design a feel-good program tailored to your needs. Feel free to contact me, and I'll handle everything else. 


Email Me For More Info

yoga@yordanka.at

+436765706388


Did I answer to all of your questions?

Anything else you want to know?


Email me your question

Share by: