Health is Wealth
It's as simple as that. When we are healthy, we are better able to face challenges and give our best to whatever endeavor we undertake.
Recent research indicates that companies who offer yoga and wellness programs to their employees reduce their annual health insurance premiums, and thereby improve their bottom line. According to a recent study on worksite health programs, corporations realized $3-$6 in savings for every $1 invested in wellness programs. The same study showed more than a 25% average reduction in health-care costs for well-designed programs (American Journal of Health Promotion).
Why Yoga-at-Work?
Yoga-at-Work is a low-cost and innovative solution for companies wanting to reduce health care expenses, relieve workplace stress and promote employee well-being. The performance of a corporation depends on the performance of its key assets—employees. Healthy employees are more productive and more cost effective.
Excellent Employee Health = Outstanding Company Performance
Good health is a reflection of both physical and emotional well-being. Yoga is a practice that unifies mind, body and spirit and is ideal for balancing the physical and emotional effects of stress. Through yoga, employees can learn how to reduce stress and integrate regular stress reduction techniques in their daily routine.
The Yoga-at-Work Advantage
Our Experience:
Laurel Hodory, former director and owner of It’s Yoga, has been bringing yoga
to the workplace since 2000. Since then, she has carefully trained and certified
more than 40 yoga teachers, preparing them for the unique challenges of teaching
yoga in the workplace. Laurel and her staff of trained teachers have brought
Yoga-at-Work to the following Columbus Companies:
- America Online (Testimonial)
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease
- Verizon
- St. Vincent Family Centers
- Columbus School for Girls
- John Deere
- Club Physique
- Monterey Health Institute
Other companies that have made an investment in employee wellness include:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- OCLC
- GE
- Pepsico
- Coca-Cola
The New York Fire Department began offering yoga after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. All report improved relaxation and better concentration.
Highly Qualified Teachers:
Yoga-at-Work founder, Laurel Hodory, M.S., is a registered yoga teacher at the 500-hour level (Yoga Alliance) and has taught more than 5,000 hours of yoga. In addition to her experience, she has participated in numerous trainings and is especially gifted at inspiring students to go beyond their perceived limits while at the same time skillfully instructing healthy biomechanics. She has personally trained her teachers more than 200 hours of anatomy, philosophy, therapeutics and technique, guiding them to be experts in the field. In a field where there are many uncertified teachers teaching yoga, each of the Yoga-at-Work instructors is certified with 200 hours of training in accordance with Yoga Alliance standards, and has CPR and First Aid training through the American Red Cross. In addition, her highly qualified teachers are friendly and supportive, welcoming all shapes and sizes of students, regardless of fitness or flexibility level.
Specially Designed Classes:
Yoga-at-Work classes are custom designed to meet the needs of your employees. We offer a safe and detailed approach to applying the healthy biomechanics in all postures with attention given to body ailments commonly experienced at work such as carpel tunnel syndrome and tight neck muscles and sore backs resulting from sitting all day at a desk and working with computers.
Convenience:
Your employees are busy. So we come to you! We provide the teacher and yoga mats, and you provide the space and students.
Introductory Program:
With the Yoga-at-Work Introductory Offer, you can try out yoga and see if it’s right for your workplace. Our Introductory Offer course meets once a week for 8 weeks or twice a week for 4 weeks. The cost is a flat rate of $800 for all 8 classes. With just 10 students enrolled, the cost is only $10 per person per class—that’s less than it costs to come in and take a class at any studio in town!
Ongoing Yoga Program:
After the Introductory Period, we will work with you on designing a Yoga-at-Work program that promotes long-term well-being and is specifically tailored to your employees’ needs. Incorporating Yoga-at-Work into your wellness program is a pro-active step in investing in your “intellectual capital,” which translates to healthier and wealthier employees and bottom-lines!
It’s as easy as 1—2—3!
- Determine whether classes should meet once a week or twice a week.
- Select an on-site location for class.
- Contact Laurel Hodory to arrange details and your company will be well on its way to building wealth by promoting health!
Bottom-Line Benefits to the Company:
- Job stress costs U.S. companies about $300 billion annually through absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover and direct medical, legal and insurance fees. (The American Institute for Stress)
- Stress is the cause of nearly 90% of doctor visits in the U.S. (The American Institute for Stress)
- Companies lose $2-$3 in productivity for every $1 spent on direct employee medical costs. (National Safety Council)
- Companies spend $14,000 per employee per year on medically related productivity losses. (CorSolutions, Inc.)
- Workers who report they are stressed incur health care costs that are almost 50% higher than other employees. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Benefits to Employee Well-Being:
- Improves concentration, decision-making skills and ability to multi-task
- Reduces multiple costs of stress-related illnesses and absenteeism
- Improves employee alertness and productivity and ability to react more calmly in demanding situations
- Relieves head, neck and back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, high blood pressure and work-related injuries from repetitive motion and/or lifting and moving objects
- Creates better customer service
- Enhances employee attitude and outlook
- Promotes well-being in the workplace and reduces employee turnover
Several studies have shown the physical and mental benefits of yoga, including:
- Improved body flexibility and balance
- Improved cardiovascular endurance
- Enhanced overall muscular strength
- Weight control
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced immune system
- Relief of stress
- Prevention and relief from stress-related disorders
- Intellectual enhancement