A study done by University of Bristol researchers found that employees who exercised before or during work hours were better equipped to handle whatever challenges they had to face that day. It also found that their general mood improved on days they worked out and were less calm on days they did not.

Jo Coulson, Research Associate in the University’s Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, said: ”Critically, workers performed significantly better on exercise days and across all three areas we measured, known as mental-interpersonal, output and time demands.”

The study observed the effects of midday workouts of 200 university staff and employees working for a pensions company and an IT firm.

Yoga In The Workplace

As more and more organisations understand the impact of employees’ health on the companies’ performance, there are steadily more employers who have integrated different physical activities into their corporate wellness programs. Having long proven to provide many mental and physical benefits, Yoga is increasingly finding its way into the workplace. Leading successful companies like Apple, Google, and Forbes have introduced Yoga into their corporate wellness programs and have reaped benefits like improved productivity and increased employee motivation.

Benefits Of Yoga In The Workplace

Let us shed some light on how Yoga can improve employees’ productivity and motivation.

Alleviates Common Pain From Desk Jobs

Office workers often spend long hours slouching over their desk and unknowingly stretch their neck forward as they stare at the computer screen. This unnatural posture is unhealthy and can cause back pain, neck strain, and shoulder stiffness which interrupts productivity as employees are distracted by the discomfort and unable to focus on the tasks on hand.

Yoga can help employees to relief such pain through fluid movements and stretches. It can also help lessen any tension caused by stress.

Increases Energy & Reduced Fatigue

Working non-stop throughout the day is bound to create stress which can lead to lower energy and burnout in the long run. It is proven that doing any form of physical activity every 30 minutes, including stretching or even standing up, greatly increases blood circulation and promotes oxygenation which is crucial for energy production.

Yoga can help to get your heart pumping and blood flowing through dynamic movements.and poses. Not only that, simple Yoga stretches can also be achieved within your workstation to improve blood circulation and energy.

Improves Concentration & Focus

Stressful deadlines, demanding workload and endless meetings can create a mental clutter that prevents you from concentrating on tasks and making intelligent decisions. Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are a great way to effectively silence the noise and free the mind of clutter that is hindering productivity.

The increase in blood circulation from practicing Yoga also helps to improve brain function for a sharp and focused mind.

Promotes Team Spirit & Morale

Stressed employees are more likely to be hostile and aggressive which disrupts peace in the office and affects mood of employees negatively, causing them to be less motivated. A harmonious workplace is more productive as employees are collaborative and willing to help each other out to achieve excellence.

Yoga can help to elevate spirits and keep tempers mellow as it has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as perceived stress in ways likely to foster a more tranquil workplace.

Workplace yoga allows employees to participate in a shared experience regardless of their skill levels and creates opportunities for them to bond in a relaxed and fun setting.

Yoga, Good For Business

The bottom line – Yoga can help to create healthy, less-stressed and motivated employees who are more productive and cost-effective for organisations. Encouraging employees to take just 10 minutes during work hours to practice some simple yoga stretches or breathing exercises at their desk or out in the fresh air and under the sun can help tremendously.