8 Things Corporate Yoga Teachers Have Stopped Doing

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Corporate yoga is the adaptation of traditional yoga practices to the office setting. Teaching methods for corporate yoga continue to evolve, requiring efficient, modern practices and saying goodbye to outdated techniques. Here are 8 practices corporate yoga teachers have stopped doing.  

Hands-on yoga assistance has been part of the ethos for years but is unsuitable in an office setting. Touching people without consent creates concern, especially in a litigious corporate environment. Verbal cues and physical demonstrations are more effective in the office space. An excellent corporate yoga teacher can guide employees into positions without making direct physical contact. 

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Accredited corporate yoga teachers offer efficient and effective sessions without a mat. Mat-based yoga requires a change of clothes and equipment, increasing time away from work.  Practices like Desk Yoga taught in Office Yoga Training adapt yoga poses for boardrooms so employees don’t need a mat or change of clothes. Seasoned corporate yoga teachers are leaving the mats behind. 

The purpose of teaching corporate yoga is to help people feel better in their bodies and minds, which requires consistency and time. A one-time session may feel good at the moment but doesn’t provide any lasting changes. The subject of yoga is learned over time. One-time sessions don’t give enough context to improve employee well-being. In addition, the time and energy required to onboard a new company outweigh the cost-benefit of teaching one session. Successful corporate yoga teachers recommend package deals or long-term contracts instead of one-time classes.  

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Corporate yogis are often beginners, and teaching in Sanskrit is a quick way to confuse participants. While Sanskrit is an integral part of the yoga tradition and has many vibrational benefits, the benefits don’t outweigh the cost of losing your audience. In a corporate setting, chanting and humming Om are more of a distraction than a benefit. Instead of saying Om in your sessions, ask employees to take a deep breath, open their mouths, and exhale. Say “thank you” at the end of class instead of “namaste.” Knowledgeable corporate yoga teachers speak in layman’s terms so everyone can follow along.

When employees see you in business attire teaching yoga, it signals them that they can practice in their work clothes, too. Removing the hurdle of changing attire leads to greater participation and efficiency. When you wear yoga clothes to the office, employees will think they must do the same. Many employees won’t have a change of clothes or feel comfortable being in spandex pants in front of their coworkers. Teaching corporate yoga differs from teaching in studios, and successful corporate yoga teachers wear business casual clothes when teaching their sessions. 

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Many employees cannot spare an hour out of their day to practice yoga. Especially if this includes another 10 minutes before and after class to change back into their work outfits. Teaching short-form classes increases the likelihood of employees attending. The greater the participation, the more likely leadership will acknowledge the positive impact of your program. Successful corporate yoga teachers offer 20- or 30-minute classes multiple times a week rather than one hour-long session once a week. 

Liability insurance will protect you in case of any incidents during class. Companies will require a copy of insurance (COI), W9, and certification. Ensure you have the necessary certifications and business registration to meet legal requirements for teaching yoga in your area. 

I recommend getting a B Corp certification in this spirit of using business as a force for good. B Corporation is a third-party certification measuring a company’s social and environmental impact. This ensures that companies practice what they preach regarding ecological impact, equal pay, social impact, community service, and governance. I’ve certified my businesses, Office Yoga and ZaaS | Zen as a Service, to ensure we walk the walk.

Teaching any subject matter without proper knowledge has inherent risks. Providing an outdated style of yoga in the office setting can lead to low participation and canceled contracts. Low attendance signals to business leaders that yoga isn’t an effective solution, making them less likely to try it again in the future. Canceled contracts also lead to financial strain on your business. Successful corporate yoga teachers seek training to learn modern practices that are efficient and effective. 

Corporate yoga practices will continue to evolve as employee well-being demands change. Office Yoga graduates meet regularly to share best practices and support one another. Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening to ensure the best practices and programming for your clients. 

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Interested in teaching Office Yoga? Learn more about our comprehensive program for Instructors through our Office Yoga Teacher Training.