Over the last decade, there has been a gradual increase of stress claims and time off work due to stress-related illnesses. Stress now rates as a significant problem in terms of workplace disability. 

Researchers from the United Kingdom have decided to assess whether yoga improved a person’s wellbeing and reduces the incidence of workplace stress. 

In the study, 48 employees were randomly allocated into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention was a weekly regime of Dru Yoga instructions. 

People’s mood and sense of wellbeing was assessed using a specific questionnaire which was completed by the participants. The researchers noted that there were significantly improved self-reported mood and wellbeing in the intervention group, compared to the group who were not performing yoga.

As detailed in the abstract below, the yoga group reported significant improvement in clear-mindedness, energy, confidence and mood. They also reported greater life purpose, satisfaction and self-confidence.

The study is a relatively small study, assessing only about 50 people. The study did not include a long follow-up time, as yoga is often an activity that people let go over time, succumbing to life's activities and pressures. It should also be noted that the study was conducted by the Dru Yoga Education Centre in England, although the research has since been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Nevertheless, this is a useful study, offering employers a simple idea for a quick and easy intervention that can significantly enhance wellbeing and reduce workplace stress. 

Authors

Hartfiel N.  Havenhand J.  Khalsa SB.  Clarke G. &  Krayer A.

Institution

Dru Education Centre, Snowdonia Mountain Lodge, Bethesda, United Kingdom. ned@druworldwide.com

Title

The effectiveness of yoga for the improvement of well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace.

Source

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.  37(1):70-6, 2011 Jan.

Country of Publication

Finland

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Recent research has indicated concern for the degree of stress and emotional well-being among university staff. This study examined the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress among university employees.

METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial at a British university, we recruited 48 employees and randomized them into either a yoga or a wait-list control group. The yoga group was offered six weeks of Dru Yoga, comprising one 60-minute class per week. These classes were offered by a certified Dru Yoga instructor at lunchtime from January-March 2008. The wait-list control group received no intervention during this six-week study. Baseline and end-program measurements of self-reported mood and well-being were self-assessed with the Profile of Mood States - Bipolar (POMS-Bi) and the Inventory of Positive Psychological Attitudes (IPPA).

RESULTS: This six-week yoga intervention resulted in significantly improved POMS-Bi and IPPA scores for the yoga compared to the wait-list control group for seven of eight measures of mood and well-being. In comparison to the wait-list control group at baseline and the end of the program, the yoga group reported marked improvements in feelings of clear-mindedness, composure, elation, energy, and confidence. In addition, the yoga group reported increased life purpose and satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during stressful situations.

CONCLUSION: These results show that even a short program of yoga is effective for enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace. We suggest that employers should consider offering yoga classes to their employees.

PubMed Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20369218