We all know that yoga is great for your health and happiness. And if you’re lucky enough to work for one of these companies, your boss knows it too! We talked to five different companies who all offer yoga classes to their employees as one of the perks of working there to see how it benefits productivity and happiness.
If you are looking for a job that allows you to practice yoga or want to see what is out there, then check out the list of companies that offer yoga as a benefit for their employees.
Patagonia
Patagonia has been offering yoga classes to its employees for quite some time.
How long has your company offered yoga classes? How popular are they in the workplace?
For 25 years, we have offered yoga to Patagonia’s employees! The yoga program was started by Patagonia founders Yvon Chouinard and Malinda Chouinard when they hired Patagonia’s first yoga instructor, Maura Patta. Classes are extremely popular. Classes are offered at Patagonia’s corporate offices as well as in retail stores. All classes are full, and yoga is free for all employees.
What has been the impact of your yoga program on employee health and well-being?
The classes have a positive impact on employee happiness and health. We all know that taking time to breathe and stop is important for both the mind and the body. Yoga classes are a huge part of Patagonia’s positive and collaborative working environment. Patagonia’s regular yogis started a late-afternoon meditation session recently.
Although we have not conducted any formal studies on the impact of yoga on productivity at Patagonia, we can state without a doubt that it has a beneficial effect.
Would it be a good idea for other companies to offer yoga to their employees?
Absolutely. It is a good idea to offer yoga classes for employees.
MONOQI
MONOQI offers yoga classes to its employees. The company finds designers around the globe and helps you find the right design.
How long has your company offered yoga classes? How popular are they in the workplace?
Since June 2015, we’ve offered yoga classes to all of our employees. The classes are very popular, and the number has grown significantly since day 1.
What has been the impact of your yoga program on employee health and well-being?
We can tell that our employees enjoy the classes and are happier and more balanced.
Would it be a good idea for other companies to offer yoga to their employees?
Asana
Yoga classes are a great way to motivate employees. The company Asana helps teams track their productivity; Asana loves how yoga classes affect their staff.
How long has your company offered yoga classes? How popular are they in the workplace?
Since its inception, Asana classes have been offered to the company. They are usually well attended. We try to offer classes around the schedules of employees and keep our classes small so that everyone can benefit from their practice.
What has been the impact of your yoga program on employee health and well-being?
Our program has made a huge impact on the health and happiness of our team. Teachers often report that students are overwhelmingly satisfied with the yoga offerings.
Would it be a good idea for other companies to offer yoga to their employees?
Yes! Yoga is a great mind-body-emotions-breath (and spirit!) The value of a wellness package is far greater than other forms of exercise. It also encourages community and camaraderie within the company.
Wimdu
Wimdu connects travelers with people who will rent out their homes as a place of stay. They like to connect their employees with themselves through yoga.
How long has your company offered yoga classes? How popular are they in the workplace?
Since summer 2015.
What has been the impact of your yoga program on employee health and well-being?
Sports help you become more resilient. Team building is also a benefit of doing things together.
Yoga can also increase productivity. You are more motivated in the afternoon after a workout and shower.
Would it be a good idea for other companies to offer yoga to their employees?
MVF Global
MVF Global, a London-based lead generation company, is an MVF. They help other businesses find customers and keep their employees on their toes with after-work yoga.
How long has your company offered yoga classes? How popular are they in the workplace?
MVF hosts two yoga classes per week to meet the demand. We have had the same yoga instructor for four years, and our staff has developed a good relationship with him.
What has been the impact of your yoga program on employee health and well-being?
The yoga classes run after work help our employees relax faster at the end of the day or re-energize themselves for evening plans. This way, no one leaves the office feeling tired. The classes have also helped people socialize with others outside of the office, which is great for new employees and team building.