How Puppy Yoga Can Help Your Team Combat Stress

Puppy Yoga at work

 

 

What is Corporate Wellness?

Why are Wellness Programs Important?

According to the Confederation of British Industry, Two-Thirds of Investors take ESG factors into consideration when assessing a company. ESG is short for Environmental, Social and Governance, which is a set of standards measuring a business’s impact on society, environment and accountability. Accountability around employees’ well-being is no longer optional. In other words, meeting ESG standards has the potential to attract and keep investors. But not all employers prioritise their employees’ well-being equally. Rather, some prioritise meeting ESG standards.

 

Prioritising meeting ESG standards over employee well-being selects for a different set of corporate wellness programs. Some programs provide corporate wellness tracking as a measurable way for employers to prove they invest in their employees and maintain a healthy work environment. Others simply provide a repository of mental health information and meditation soundtracks from employees to use at their own leisure. 

In addition to attracting investors, the CIPD 2022 Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey identified the top 3 benefits of offering comprehensive corporate wellness programs:

• A healthier and more inclusive culture.
• Better work-life balance.
• Better employee morale and engagement.

But beyond these benefits, companies that invest in corporate wellness send a powerful message to their employees: we care about your health and happiness. This message can help attract and retain top talent.

 

What is Puppy Yoga?

Puppy yoga is a unique and fun activity that combines the benefits of yoga with the therapeutic effects of playing with puppies. A puppy yoga class begins with a Yoga flow and gentle breathing exercises. While participants stretch and release the muscle tension from the week, a litter of puppies awaits their surprise entry. After a safety announcement is made on hold to hold the puppies safely while remaining seated, the puppies are unleashed into the room for cuddles and playtime. The playful nature of puppies brings a new level of energy and excitement to the room.

 

Physically, yoga improves flexibility and balance, strengthens muscles and reduces tension. Mentally, it reduces anxiety and depression, improves focus and concentration and promotes relaxation. Playtime with puppies during yoga also offers emotional benefits by reducing stress and anxiety levels, promoting feelings of happiness, and improving social connections. This makes puppy yoga a perfect activity for individuals who want to incorporate a holistic well-being approach in their routine.

 

In addition, Puppy Yoga Can Raise Awareness For Animal Welfare Issues. The puppies are provided by verified local animal breeders. Providing a space where individuals can interact with adorable puppies can help promote the importance of animal welfare and the proper treatment of animals. The puppies themselves can serve as ambassadors for animal rescue and adoption, helping to spread awareness of the need for responsible pet ownership and the importance of supporting local animal shelters and rescue organisations.

 

How Does Puppy Yoga Benefit Employees?

Puppy yoga can support employees’ heart health by reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Stress Can Increase The Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases As Much As Smoking And Diabetes. While further research is required to understand the mechanism behind this, evidence shows that physical activity and well-being routines can help prevent cardiovascular conditions and support heart health.

 

Simply Petting A Puppy Was Associated With Lower Blood Pressure Than Chatting Or Reading, which is a measurable hallmark of relaxation. Research shows Blood Pressure Drops by 10% After 15 to 30 Minutes of Petting a Dog, decreasing anxiety, and even increasing levels of the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin. Puppy yoga is a mutually beneficial activity as a puppy’s blood pressure lowers when they are being petted as well.

 

Incorporating puppy yoga into wellness programs can support employees’ health while combating workplace stress and burnout. Corporate wellness is no longer just a nice-to-have, but a must-have. Innovative wellness initiatives like puppy yoga can provide a fun and unique way to promote employee well-being. However, a successful approach requires more than just offering fun activities. Companies must also address workplace culture and practices that may contribute to stress and burnout by providing flexible working options, promoting work-life balance, and encouraging open communication between employees and management. By investing in employee well-being, businesses can benefit from a healthier, happier, and more engaged workforce.