Have you ever been curious about how corporate yoga could boost productivity and focus in your workplace, making it a healthier and happier space for all?
Employees at Mott MacDonald in Birmingham experienced feelings of calm and positivity to equip them for the challenges of corporate life when they attended a series of corporate yoga classes led by me.
Read on to discover more about the impact it had on the team.
About Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy renowned for delivering high-profile projects across the globe.
Its Birmingham office, situated in the business district, is one of 33 UK locations, with other international offices worldwide.
A moment of relaxation and positivity
Mott MacDonald’s Sports and Social Committee booked a block of 10 corporate yoga sessions with me as part of its varied offering to employees at the Birmingham office.
The committee regularly organises activities to enhance mental and physical wellbeing for its workforce.
Sona Gudka, Environmental and Sustainability Consultant at Mott MacDonald said:
"We’ve done yoga in the past, so we know how beneficial it is for wellbeing. The classes were the perfect way to bring that sense of positivity around mental health and make sure everyone was relaxed and calm after a stressful day at work.”
The yoga sessions took place in a large conference room at the firm’s Birmingham office, offering a space to unwind and recharge at the end of a busy day.
Inclusive corporate yoga for everyone
With a mixture of genders, ages and fitness levels, I designed an inclusive programme with options and modifications for all abilities, tailoring each session to individuals and the mood of the day to ensure maximum impact for everyone who took part.
There are so many variables at play in a large corporate workplace like Mott MacDonald, so adaptability is a key part of my approach to workplace yoga.
Sona said:
"Katy's delivery was amazing. She got to know us, understood our varying abilities, and provided options to cater to everyone. It was flexible, relaxed, and an overwhelmingly positive experience."
This personalised approach is one of the major benefits of booking a series of classes rather than a one off (although you will absolutely see advantages from a single class).
When I work with a company over a 10-week period, I get to know the people taking part on a deeper level and they begin to see visible progress in their yoga practice.
This can come in the form of physical achievements that boost their confidence - like improved flexibility, less back pain, or the ability to attempt a more challenging posture.
Or, mental wellbeing benefits that change how they approach work and personal situations, like better emotional resilience or using breathing techniques to reduce anxiety in moments of stress.
Benefits of corporate yoga
You might be wondering: what are the other potential benefits of corporate yoga for your employees, wellbeing, and broader business success?
Here are just a few advantages my corporate clients typically experience:
Improved focus and concentration
Better general feelings of wellbeing
Increased productivity
Team building and bonding
Reduced stress levels
Easing of back pain from sitting at a desk
Incentive for hybrid workers to come into the office
Enhanced employer brand.
The impact of yoga at Mott MacDonald
The feedback from Mott MacDonald employees was overwhelmingly positive.
Sona said:
"Everyone really enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. Katy tailored the sessions to our preferences, whether we wanted a challenging workout or a restful experience after a hard day. It was perfect — fluid, with clear steps, and a calm, focused atmosphere."
Mott MacDonald employees who took part in the workplace yoga sessions reported feeling more energised and calm afterwards, and many continued their practice at home using my YouTube yoga videos.
Some even shared the videos with their families, broadening the impact of yoga on their life and wellbeing.
As a former corporate employee myself, I wish I’d discovered yoga sooner to inject some much-needed headspace into my working day.
So, I love being able to bring a sense of calm and a boost of energy for corporate teams, and it’s heartening to see so many employers making wellbeing a non-negotiable in their business.
Enhancing wellbeing and company culture
Mott MacDonald prioritises workplace wellbeing, with wellbeing champions and mental health first aiders dedicated to supporting employees.
So, yoga was a natural fit for their workplace culture and the ideal activity for their enthusiastic and diverse team.
Corporate yoga is the perfect addition to any workplace wellbeing programme, and your team will see the benefits from a single class.
I’m Katy, founder of yogabrum and corporate yoga specialist in Birmingham and online.
I offer ad hoc and regular workplace yoga classes to companies across Birmingham, as well as online yoga for remote teams.
If you’re ready to invest in the wellbeing and productivity of your people, I’d love to chat to you about how yoga can play a key part in your wellness journey.
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