Implementing workplace yoga programs to promote well-being can significantly affect different institutions. By applying a social science lens to discussed problems, research focuses on how the studied issue affects relationships between people in society – their influence on each other, collaboration, or other interactions (Southern New Hampshire University, n.d.). A study by Reeves et al. (2022) demonstrates that yoga in the workplace benefits employees from various professional fields. Its positive effect includes reducing stress and, accordingly, fewer burnouts, diseases, mental problems, and lower turnover rates (Reeves et al., 2022). While yoga and wellness’s primary impact is directed at employees, it has long-term implications for entire communities and institutions.
Addressing the question of yoga and wellness can have distinctive consequences for various spheres and institutions. Evidence of the beneficial impact of yoga on workplace well-being can lead to policy changes by introducing new programs involving employees in such activity (Puerto Valencia et al., 2019). Following Reeves et al. (2022), in education, wellness also reduces stress and burnout. Consequently, it can make communication between educators and students more constructive and informative, improving learning outcomes. Moreover, caring for well-being also significantly changes communities and families. Implementing workplace yoga practices can also reduce work-life conflict, benefitting families. Moreover, it can change the way people consider employer-employee relations.
An essential contribution of yoga and well-being in the workplace is increased productivity. Research proves that wellness and job satisfaction have a mutual positive impact (Sironi, 2019). As a result, cooperation and communication between market-driven organizations’ employees become more effective, leading to companies’ success. Moreover, cooperation also contributes to improving the economy through more efficient processes. Thus, yoga and well-being in the workplace can lead to significant transformations in various areas.
While various studies on yoga and well-being at work support its advantage, doing more robust research will benefit the issue. Particularly, studies on this theme often have such common disadvantages as small samples or bias (Puerto Valencia et al., 2019). Therefore, a more constructive approach of conducting longitudinal studies with extensive and diverse samples to confirm the benefits of yoga for wellness at work is required (Puerto Valencia et al., 2019). More reliable evidence will accelerate the implementation of effective wellness programs and prevent adverse effects.
Considering and addressing wellness-related issues has positive implications and challenges. Well-being studies contribute to the search for ways to ensure it. Wellness, in turn, has significant benefits, such as care for physical and mental health. It can also increase productivity and improve the quality of life of people, as it provides more energy and motivation (Sironi, 2019). However, the study of wellness, as well as the implementation of measures related to it, requires significant investments in time and resources. At the same time, despite the widespread discussion, this concept is not well defined yet, which may cause misunderstanding and rejection (Kirkland, 2014). Therefore, when studying wellness and implementing measures related to it, it is crucial to consider such challenges and look for ways to overcome them.
Historical examples show that social practices and views have changed significantly in the pursuit of wellness. For instance, midwifery developed, helping families prepare to have children and enhancing their wellness (Butts, 2022). Moreover, societies transformed, for example, through a change in views on beauty. Previously, methods of achieving beauty standards prevailing in society significantly harmed individuals; for example, toxic cosmetics and corsets led to health problems (Aaron, 1978; Witkowski & Parish, 2001). Consequently, attention to and implementing workplace yoga practices to achieve wellness can also lead to significant social transformations, changing the view of work and drawing attention to the need for well-being.
Thus, analyzing the issue of yoga and well-being in the workplace, it is critical to note that introducing yoga can lead to significant changes in various institutions, including politics, the economy, families, and other areas. At the same time, this topic still needs reliable research and evidence to ensure that implementing yoga programs brings benefits. Research can also better reveal the advantages and challenges of addressing wellness issues. Nevertheless, historical examples demonstrate that the desire for wellness positively transforms society.
References
Aaron, D. (1978). The sad shape of Victorian womanhood. The Saturday Evening Post, 38-44.
Butts, R. (2022). Midwifery. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. Web.
Kirkland, A. (2014). What is wellness now? Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 39(5), 957-970. Web.
Puerto Valencia, L. M., Weber, A., Spegel, H., Bögle, R., Selmani, A., Heinze, S., & Herr, C. (2019). Yoga in the workplace and health outcomes: A systematic review. Occupational Medicine, 69(3), 195-203. Web.
Reeves, T. J., Dyer, N. L., Borden, S., Dusek, J. A., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2022). “Making it okay”: Professionals in high-stress environments construct their understanding of the impact of a yoga-based retreat designed to build resilience. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 17(1), 1-12. Web.
Sironi, E. (2019). Job satisfaction as a determinant of employees’ optimal well-being in an instrumental variable approach. Quality & Quantity, 53(4), 1721-1742. Web.
Southern New Hampshire University. (n.d.). IDS the four general education lenses. Web.
Witkowski, J. A., & Parish, L. C. (2001). You’ve come a long way baby: A history of cosmetic lead toxicity. Clinics in Dermatology, 19(4), 367-370. Web.