There’s a reason why corporate wellness programs are on the rise – they work. As more employees prioritize work/life balance, wellness and meditation programs are becoming a standard benefit in the workplace

Employees and employers both benefit from corporate wellness programs, particularly corporate meditation classes.

If you’re considering adding meditation classes to your wellness program, it’s important to understand the benefits of corporate meditation and your options.

Fewer Sick Days

Stress can take a serious toll on your health. In 2016 alone, 18% of workplace absenteeism was related to workplace stress, depression and anxiety, according to the ESRI. Other data shows that 70% of employees experience some form of stress at work and 4 in 10 suffer from burnout.

Corporate meditation and wellness programs can help employees enjoy a better work/life balance while helping reduce stress and anxiety. 

A study from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that meditation can reduce stress-related symptoms by 30%.

When employees are less stressed and more at ease, they’re less likely to take sick days. Research shows that corporate wellness programs can help lower perceived stress, reduce absenteeism and improve job satisfaction.

Improved Productivity

Stress, burnout and fatigue can have a significant impact on productivity in the workplace. Simply put, when employees aren’t feeling their best, they can’t perform at their best.

Implementing meditation and wellness programs can address the root cause of the issue: stress. 

Research also shows that, on a physical level, meditation strengthens your brain’s prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain responsible for executive functions, such as decision-making, focus and behaviour.

A stronger prefrontal cortex means that it’s easier to make productive decisions and actions. Rather than procrastinating, employees take action and have a much easier time staying focused on the task at hand.

Strengthening this key area of the brain means that meditation can help improve:

• Decision-making
• Self-discipline
• Procrastination
• Improved productivity benefits not only the employer, but the employee as well. Completing tasks and meeting deadlines can help employees feel more fulfilled and satisfied.

Happier Employees

Happy employees are the best employees. Research has found that meditation programs can improve depression and anxiety, helping workers feel more optimistic and satisfied with their jobs.

Other research has found that mindfulness meditation can reduce stress while improving mood and empathy. Time and time again, researchers have found a link between meditation and improved happiness and a greater sense of life purpose.

Types of Corporate Wellness and Meditation Programs

The world of corporate wellness is growing, and businesses have more options than ever. The most common and popular types of corporate wellness programs include:

Meditation Programs – Online and Onsite

Virtual and onsite corporate meditation programs are available, which can introduce meditation to employees and guide them through the practice.

Classes can be held daily, weekly or monthly. Consistency is the key. Instructors may come into the office (if safe and possible) to guide employees through meditation sessions. Virtual classes are also an option. 

Corporate meditation programs are designed with corporate audiences in mind and can include educational aspects on the benefits and science behind meditation.

Corporate Yoga

Corporate yoga programs, like what we offer here at Inner Light Yoga, can tackle two important aspects of employee wellness: stress and activity (or lack of activity).

New research has found that remote workers are sitting nearly 3 hours longer than their office-going counterparts.

Our corporate yoga program can help keep employees moving to reduce the amount of time spent sitting. In addition to yoga poses, our wellness sessions can also include mindfulness techniques, stress management, deep relaxation and more.

Virtual and in-person classes are available, and they are accessible to all levels.

With our monthly corporate yoga membership, employees have access to unlimited virtual yoga and meditation classes as well as on-demand video classes. 

Overall, corporate yoga programs offer a well-rounded approach to corporate wellness by combining meditation and movement.

Mindfulness Workshops and Programs

Multi-week mindfulness programs are available for corporate audiences. These programs can be helpful because they break concepts and practices into bite-sized pieces that are easier to digest. 

Employees may also feel more accomplished after completing the program.

If a multi-week program isn’t ideal for your company, workshops and seminars may be a better solution. Workshops focus more on the concept and research behind meditation and mindfulness. If you’re in the process of incorporating an employee wellness program, these seminars can be a great way to introduce meditation and workplace wellness to employees. 

The world of corporate wellness is constantly evolving, but meditation and yoga will likely remain a mainstay because their effectiveness is backed by research and measurable in the workplace.