Corporate Yoga Saves Companies $

Modern life takes a toll.

50% of corporate profits now go toward health care claims, versus 7% three decades ago (McKinsey & Co.)

60% of employer health care costs result from diminished productivity due to fatigue, stress, allergies, headaches, depression and illness (Harvard Medical School).

2.5 million workdays are lost to companies annually due to stress-related illness (American Institute on Stress).

Companies with engaged employees outperform those with disengaged employees by 17% (Towers Perrin).

Forward thinking companies are looking at the rise in health care cost, absenteeism, the moods and energy level of their employees, productivity, and work compensation claims. The smart ones are taking a proactive approach and looking for solutions to support their employees in living healthy, balanced lives. Yoga is recognized as a means to alleviate stress, increase job satisfaction, and support healthy balanced lives within the corporate environment.

Companies who have in-site yoga programs programs include Nike, Forbes, Apple, Google, Chase Manhatten Bank, MTV Networks, NYNEX, HBO, George Lucas' Light and Industrial Magic, Ritz Carlton, Loews Hotels, J. Paul Getty Museum, Pepsico, General Electric, IBM, UCLA Nursing Association, UCLA Medical School, Northridge Hospital, Kia Motors, AT&T, New Line Cinema, Univision,and PacifiCare Health Systems.

--Michelle Myhre

Your Safe & Healthy Workstation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have dramatically increased in the years since the introduction of the personal computer. In the United States, more workers are injured using a computer keyboard than operating any other tool.
Tips for Creating a Healthy Workstation

• Keep wrists flat and straight, when using the mouse.
• Place the mouse nice and close to the keyboard, avoid reaching.
  
• Monitor and keyboard centered in front of you. Center yourself to the "B" on the keyboard.
  
• Upper arms and elbows close to body, elbows bent at, or greater than 90 degrees.
• Shoulder neutral. Roll the shoulder blades together, draw them down the spine periodically.
  
• Keep feet flat on floor or use footrest.
• Thighs parallel to floor, or slightly below parallel.
  
• Change your position often. Practice arm & shoulder rotations and simple stretches.
• Support your lumbar spine (lower back) with a cushion.
  
• Recline your chair to 100-110 degrees. This decreases pressure in the lower back.
• Too close? Too far? Sit back in your chair and hold out your right arm, reaching forward. When your fingertips almost touch the screen, you are the correct distance from your monitor.
• Move your body frequently! Be kind to yourself, and your body will feel better.