{"id":13732,"date":"2015-10-15T05:00:01","date_gmt":"2015-10-15T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=13732"},"modified":"2020-12-24T04:39:21","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T12:39:21","slug":"workplace-wellness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/workplace-wellness\/","title":{"rendered":"Workplace Wellness"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yoga inched its way onto the corporate scene 25 years ago. Within the last decade, the practice has significantly grown in popularity. Forbes, Apple, Google, and several Fortune 500 companies offer yoga classes as part of their wellness programs. Employers \"shutterstock_244733572\"continue to tap into the $10 billion per year industry–but is it worth it?<\/p>\n

The Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before buying yoga mats wholesale, controllers may need hard numbers to determine an onsite wellness plan\u2019s value. A Harvard study<\/a> estimates that companies can save more than $3 in health care costs for every dollar spent; RAND<\/a> studies are more conservative with a $1.50 savings.<\/p>\n

Also worth noting, health care costs increased by 7% nationwide. A subsequent study by Harvard Business Review <\/a> calculated that average annual health care costs only increased by 1-2% at firms with onsite wellness programs.<\/p>\n

In addition to health care savings, companies can cut other costs. An article published in the American Journal of Health Promotion<\/a> reveals additional savings: wellness programs resulted in 25 percent lower costs related to disability insurance, workers\u2019 compensation, and sick leave. Gallup<\/a> finds a strong correlation between physically active employees, profitability, productivity, and higher sales.<\/p>\n

Wellness programs are worth their keep. Yoga as a wellness option offers uniquely relevant benefits. Employees that participate in yoga classes report significant improvements to their health and their sense of wellbeing. The Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester has issued long-term treatment to more than 10,000 patients in its 35-year history. In Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction<\/a> courses, participants reported lasting decreases in the symptoms of stress, increased energy, and higher self-esteem. Participants also reported an improved ability to handle stress and cope with workplace challenges.<\/p>\n

Just how much yoga is needed to see the benefits? A report in Science Daily<\/a> reveals that \u201ctwenty minutes per day of guided workplace meditation and yoga combined with six weekly group sessions can lower feelings of stress by more than 10 percent and improve sleep quality in sedentary office employees.\u201d<\/p>\n

Implementation<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are just beginning a wellness program, ASAE Center<\/a> has helpful suggestions for starting from scratch.<\/p>\n

To gauge interest in yoga, some employers begin by offering yoga during a company retreat. The number of participants may help employers determine interest in the program. After classes, this small test group provides feedback on the effectiveness of the yoga classes. Other employers opt for a survey, requesting when employees would prefer a class, class duration, and frequency.<\/p>\n

Remember that the title of the class may influence employees\u2019 willingness to participate. \u201cYoga for Stress Relief\u201d may deter participants if they feel that attending the class is a sign of weakness, an inability to handle the demands of their job. It could be beneficial to stick to generic titles such as \u201cYoga with Darren,\u201d or \u201cLunch Hour Power Yoga.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pitfalls<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wellness programs aren\u2019t a single solution approach. Health initiatives can\u2019t take the place of workplace structure, which offer lasting results:<\/p>\n