The Corporate Heartbeat; The Employee Breath
(Paula Giglio, Yoga Sattva, 2007)
In my line of work I am privileged to have the time to converse with people and listen to what their words are telling me. The faces and the names may be different but the conversation is generally the same. Q: “What have you been spending your time doing these days?” A: “Working, working, working!” Rarely, these words are said with a smile. The conversation usually follows with the individual explaining his/her stress level, lack of motivation, and general unhappiness with his/her mental and physical state. This saddens me greatly. Worst of all, workplace stress is rising exponentially and it's costing corporate
Estimates reveal that 80% of health care costs are stress related, and these expenses go right to the bottom line. According to CNN-Money.com, Americans spent more than $17 billion for anti-depressants and anti- anxiety drugs in 2002, up 10% from the year before and nearly 30% over a two year period.
So, what is a business to do? Use Yoga!
Businesses that make yoga part of their company policy find that they have healthier employees who take fewer sick days, have a greater sense of being part of a team resulting in higher productivity, increased morale, and stronger camaraderie. Each of these aspects adds to an overall reduction of stress in the office. Among other benefits related to yoga, creativity at work, better mental clarity and improved focus are all mentioned.
Happily, today's insurance carriers are also getting the good news about yoga. Check with your health insurance carrier about the group-premium discount you will receive by offering yoga to your employees on a consistent basis.
To find out more about bringing yoga to your workplace contact Paula or Heike:
Paula Giglio (certified in yoga, Pilates, and personal training) - yogasattva@gmail.com - (918) 919-8039
Heike McDoniel (certified yoga teacher and reflexologist) – www.oceanthoughtsyoga.com – (910) 228-7052
(Salvatore Giglio - www.sagefinearttaos.com)
