Back to the Office: Chair Massage Benefits for a Healthier Workplace in 2024

Effectively navigating the shifting dynamics and challenges of the post-pandemic workplace, which encompass culture-building, promoting in-office collaboration, and ensuring equitable engagement for both remote and on-site employees, demands a strategic approach centered on prioritizing employee wellbeing. Over the years, chair massage at work has consistently ranked as a favorite in employee wellness programs. Recently, it has re-emerged as a proactive solution tailored for the hybrid workplace, adeptly tackling issues such as the negative effects of stress as well as the effects of the mental health crisis affecting modern employees across the board.

Navigating the changing dynamics and challenges of the post-pandemic workplace, including culture-building, encouraging in-office work, and finding ways to equitably engage both remote and on-site employees, requires a strategic approach to prioritize employee wellbeing. Chair massage at work has long been an employee wellness program favorite, which in recent years has emerged as a proactive solution for the hybrid workplace, effectively addressing challenges like skyrocketing rates of employee stress and an overall decrease in mental wellbeing.

Let’s look at some of the key benefits of chair massage and how regularly incorporating these services into your corporate wellness strategy could help your company cultivate a thriving and efficient work environment in the coming year.

Stress Alleviation, Pain Reduction, and Cognitive Wellness

In modern, fast-paced corporate settings, the escalation of stress among employees is undeniable. Chair massage serves as a rapid and efficient stress-relief method that not only alleviates tension but also fosters mental wellbeing, reducing anxiety and depression, and is shown to mitigate many stress-related issues. In one study, chair massage showed a beneficial impact on stress reduction and pain among bedside nurses. Stress and physical pain can of course contribute to a decline in mental wellbeing, so it is encouraging to see that even short massage sessions can make a difference. Another older study showed the effects of a chair massage program during work breaks helped to reduce musculoskeletal overload and pain among individuals exposed to this risk, which has implications for every employee, from those whose jobs are very active, to desk workers.

Elevated Team Morale and Job Satisfaction

Bolstering employee morale stands as a pivotal factor for retention and productivity – when employees feel content and satisfied, they are more likely to be engaged and dedicated to their professional duties. Chair massage contributes to a positive workplace culture, signaling the company’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of its workforce. Employees who participate in chair massage services often report feeling a shift in their mood and overall sense of wellbeing after even a very brief session.

Enhanced Work Focus and Productivity

In the hybrid environment, sustaining focus and productivity can be a struggle as employees all have very individual needs. Some employees who feel depleted by the distractions of the office environment work more efficiently from home. Others are more motivated and energized by getting work done in a bustling office environment. This is one reason why the return-to-office push has been so contentious in recent months. For those who sit squarely in the work-from-home camp. Chair massage has proven effective in boosting concentration and productivity, no matter an employees’ preferred work location. If your company has an anchor day coming up, or an all-employee meeting that requires everyone to attend in-person, consider offering chair massage on these days. Following a session, employees tend to emerge rejuvenated, bringing increased energy to their tasks and resulting in overall efficiency.

Physical Well-being Advantages

Employees across the spectrum, from those with physically demanding jobs, to those in more sedentary occupations focused on computer work, can experience musculoskeletal issues related to their work activities. The key to supporting the latter is promoting opportunities for physical activity and relaxation within the office space to help relieve the stiffness that comes from sitting in the same position for long periods. Chair massage strategically targets these concerns, addressing muscle tension and promoting comprehensive physical wellbeing. Implementing chair massage services at the office is one way to proactively approach the mitigation of long-term physical health issues in an employee population.

Alignment with Progressive Workplace Wellness Trends

In the prevailing workplace landscape of 2024, workplace wellness programs will be taking center stage. Chair massage seamlessly aligns with this trend, showcasing a company’s dedication to the holistic health of its employees. This not only positions the organization as forward-thinking and compassionate but also aids in attracting top talent and cultivating a positive employer brand.

Incorporating chair massage into your workplace wellness strategy is a strategic decision, not only addressing the evolving challenges of the modern workplace but also positioning your organization as a trailblazer in prioritizing employee wellbeing.

 

Is your company ready to begin offering chair massage at its Portland, Oregon metro-area office? Urban Balance’s team of experienced licensed massage therapists (LMTs) has you covered. We cater to companies of all sizes and needs, from recurring monthly or quarterly services to one-time visits for special events. Schedule a complimentary consultation to get your 2024 massage dates on the books and learn more about how we can support your team!

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area, and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

New in 2024: Discover the benefits of Urban Balance TV, a workplace wellbeing solution with 450+ holistic wellness classes designed to help employees achieve optimal balance in all areas of life. Membership options are available for companies and individuals.

Embracing and Navigating Workplace Wellness Trends in 2024

As we approach 2024, it is important for companies to note how the landscape of workplace wellness is evolving and assess where their employees are in relation to these shifts. Human resources, people operations, and employee benefits professionals are encouraged to monitor the yearly trends in order to deliver corporate wellness programming that is relevant to the moment, meets employees’ diverse and present needs, and boosts engagement across teams.

This blog explores some key corporate wellness trends to watch in 2024 and offers ideas to help you transform your workplace and help your employees thrive in the coming year.

 

Embracing Occupational Wellness
Enter ‘Quiet Thriving’

In 2024, a focus on occupational wellness, one of the 8 dimensions of wellbeing, is set to take center stage, emphasizing quiet thriving, employee resilience, and adaptability in the workplace. This trend promotes an environment that nurtures overall employee wellbeing and success.

Quiet Thriving is a term coined by psychotherapist Lesley Alderman. As she describes in her recent Washington Post piece, this concept is all about employees making mental shifts and taking actions that help them feel empowered and engaged at work. This might include setting intentions, taking breaks for fun or wellness-boosting activities, or joining an interest group either in or out of the workplace.

Employers also have a role to play here – thriving is not just an individual pursuit. Employers should seek to adopt new policies and procedures, adapt existing ones, and embrace overall organizational changes that support their efforts to thrive and be resilient in the face of workplace stress.

 

Sustained Spotlight on Mental Wellbeing
Psychological Safety and Belonging Remain Key Areas of Focus

According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey survey, 92% of workers reported that it’s important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological wellbeing. 77% of workers reported feeling satisfied to some degree with the mental health and wellbeing support they receive from their employers. At the same time, 55% of employers felt their employer thought their workplace was more mentally healthy than it truly was. This indicates that there is room for improvement in the coming year.

While traditional mental health benefits like employee assistance programs, therapy, and flexible work arrangements should always come first, these measures can be supplemented with holistic wellness offerings like meditation and breathwork sessions, movement classes, and even massage, all of which can positively impact mental wellbeing by reducing stress.

 

Sustainability in Employee Wellbeing
Explore the Intersection of Environmental Stewardship, Sustainable Programming and Individual Wellbeing

Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal element in crafting holistic and enduring corporate wellness programs. By integrating sustainability into employee wellness initiatives, organizations nurture a culture of wellbeing that is not only supportive but also enduring. This approach which, could include everything from environmental wellness webinars to an overall emphasis on steady participation in ongoing weekly holistic wellness classes and webinars to improving office ergonomics aligns with the ethos of creating workplaces where individuals can flourish while contributing to a sustainable future for their organization, and for the world.

 

Financial Education Programs
Encourage a Holistic Approach to Financial Wellbeing

Organizations are recognizing the interconnectedness of financial health with overall employee wellbeing. In 2024, workplaces will increasingly offer financial wellness and education programs to empower employees with the knowledge and tools for better financial wellbeing. With the rising cost of living, uneven wage growth, and the increasing number of individuals with record credit card and student loan debt to manage, these services can provide needed stress reduction around money matters and help employees to take inspired action around their finances.

 

Embracing Technological Solutions
Empower Employees by Incorporating Technology for Enhanced Wellbeing

This trend caters to the modern workforce’s demand for flexibility and customized, on-demand content, and encompasses a range of tech-based solutions, from health apps to virtual wellbeing platforms, shaping the future of workplace wellness Enter the era of on-demand wellness platforms, empowering employees to access wellbeing resources and content conveniently. This trend caters to the modern workforce’s demand for flexibility and customized, on-demand wellness solutions. Companies will continue to actively explore technological solutions to enhance employee wellbeing. This broader trend encompasses a range of tech-based solutions, from health apps to virtual wellbeing platforms, shaping the future of workplace wellness.


By incorporating these trends into your organizational strategy, you pave the way for a workplace that prioritizes the wellbeing and success of every individual.

 

Dive Deeper into Workplace Wellbeing: Planning for 2024

When it comes to executing a successful workplace wellness program, consistency is key. At Urban Balance, we advocate for a comprehensive approach to holistic wellbeing at work and recommend that companies offer a well-rounded blend of holistic services and benefits, choosing those that are most compatible with their unique employees’ needs and interests. Whether it’s ongoing yoga or movement classes, monthly on-site chair massage sessions, or company-wide employee membership to an on-demand wellness class platform, your journey to a thriving employee population begins here. When your employees thrive, so does your organization.

 

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area, and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

 

New in 2024: Discover the benefits of Urban Balance TV, a workplace wellbeing solution with 450+ holistic wellness classes designed to help employees achieve optimal balance in all areas of life. Membership options are available for companies and individuals.

Enhancing Employee Wellbeing with On-Demand Wellness Platforms

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, ensuring the wellbeing of your employees is not just a responsibility; it’s a necessary piece of corporate strategy. As an HR professional, you know that a healthy, motivated workforce is at the heart of any successful organization. There are many ways to achieve this, but it all comes down to knowing how to meet the needs of your unique employees.

State of Employee Wellbeing
Over the past several years, employee wellbeing has emerged as a primary concern for organizations aiming to attract and retain top talent. It’s about providing more than healthcare benefits, and it’s about fostering an environment where employees thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. This shift towards holistic wellbeing is transforming the landscape of corporate wellness programs.

MetLife’s 2023 US Employee Benefit Trends study showed that while 88% of employers recognize the importance of demonstrating care for their employees, only a little over half of the workforce feels cared for. This study also highlights that employees’ holistic health has been declining over time due to financial anxiety and mental health stressors. 70% of employees want benefits that can be customized to their needs. Benefits that are customizable and convenient to use can translate into higher benefits utilization for companies.

In the age of hybrid work, one of the most customizable, convenient employee wellness benefits is access to an on-demand wellness platform. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of integrating on-demand employee wellness platforms into your corporate wellness program and employee wellbeing strategy.


Corporate Wellness Program Evolution

It’s no secret that corporate wellness programs limited to gym memberships and annual health check-ups, are no longer sufficient. Employees seek more comprehensive support for their wellbeing, and this is where on-demand wellness platforms truly shine. These platforms offer a wide array of resources, including on-demand video content, that employees can access at their convenience.

 

Benefits of On-Demand Employee Wellness Platforms

1. Accessibility Anytime, Anywhere

On-demand wellness platforms provide employees the flexibility to engage with wellness resources whenever and wherever they like. Whether it’s a quick yoga session during a lunch break, a meditation and breathwork session to de-stress after a long day, or a nutrition and cooking demo to help spark new ideas in the kitchen, these platforms cater to employees’ diverse needs and interests through delivery of content on a variety of topics offered in both shorter and longer formats.

2. Personalized Wellbeing

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to employee wellbeing. One of the greatest benefits of on-demand platforms is they offer a wide range of content, allowing employees to tailor their individual wellness journey. Some platforms even offer services like one-on-one coaching and mental wellness appointments to help meet employees’ needs.

3. Improved Employee Engagement

Engagement is a key metric in assessing the effectiveness of any wellness program. On-demand platforms make it easy for employees to engage with wellness resources on a regular basis, leading to healthier and happier employees. They can simply log in, press play, and engage with the content that best supports their unique goals, needs, and interests.

4. Cost-Effective Wellness

Investing in traditional wellness programs can be expensive, depending on the size of your company and what benefits you are looking to offer. On-demand platforms often come at a fraction of the cost while delivering a more comprehensive range of services through the ability to provide customized group membership rates to companies.

 

Urban Balance TV: Your Ultimate On-Demand Wellness Companion

When considering on-demand wellness platforms, Urban Balance TV stands out. With its extensive library of wellness resources, UB-TV is the perfect solution for companies who want to support their employees’ mental and physical wellbeing by providing them with mind-body optimizing, soul-nourishing wellness content they can engage whenever, wherever, to support their self-care.

 

Conclusion: It’s Time to Elevate Your Corporate Wellness Program

On-demand employee wellness platforms are creating positive change in the world of workplace wellness. They provide the flexibility, personalization, and cost-effectiveness that modern organizations need to enhance employee wellbeing. As an HR professional, it’s time to take your corporate wellness program to the next level with these invaluable tools.

 

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area, and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

Discover the benefits of Urban Balance TV, a workplace wellbeing solution with 450+ holistic wellness classes designed to help employees achieve optimal balance in all areas of life. Membership options are available for companies and individuals.

Meet Lauren Chandler

 

  • How long have you been with Urban Balance?
    Since the fall of 2022
  • What part of the country do you teach/present from?
    Portland, OR
  • What services do you offer?
    I teach plant-centered cooking to groups in person and virtually. I cover a wide range of topics, everything from Seasonal Cooking to Healthy Holiday Holiday Classics to Setting Intentional and Realistic Health Goals. All of my classes emphasize eating more plants – we know vegetables are where it’s at! And we’ll eat them more if we know simple, fast, super delicious ways to prepare them.
  • What do you love most about teaching in the corporate wellness sphere?
    I LOVE seeing my students become more engaged over the course of our time together and get psyched over tips and tricks they learn. Or a new way to eat cabbage. Seems so silly, but you would not believe the oohs and aahs over how delicious a humble vegetable like cabbage can be.
  • What are some of your favorite pastimes/hobbies?
    Rock climbing outdoors! Climbing gets me to see places in nature I wouldn’t otherwise visit, it’s social, fun, and good for my mental and physical health.
  • How would you describe yourself/your teaching style?
    My teaching style is casual, passionate, and interactive. I love engaging with my students and having class be conversational.

Learn more about Lauren on our team page.

 

Benefits of International Yoga and Meditation Retreats for Busy Professionals

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to recharge and rejuvenate is essential. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a steady stream of headlines and statistics related to the employee burnout epidemic, which has solidified the importance of workplace wellbeing and highlighted the essential role that companies play in supporting this for employees.

The ‘Pandemic Pause’ came with many teachings. Among many lessons, that experience taught us the importance of rest and the role it plays in making our lives sustainable. While it is possible to rest and decompress no matter where we are, it can also be deeply rejuvenating to have a change of scenery and space to recharge away from the demands of daily life.

International yoga and meditation retreats offer a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion outside of our everyday experience. In this post, we’ll explore the top benefits of international yoga and meditation retreats, including deepening your practice, stress relief, cultural exploration, and connecting with community.

Deepen Your Yoga and Meditation Practice (or begin one anew!)

International retreats provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with healing practices like yoga and meditation. Many retreats include daily practice sessions, which allow you to experience the healing effects of different yoga, meditation, and breathwork practices, and to have ample space for integration and to notice the effects on your body and mind. These practices can boost flexibility, stability, and balance, calm your nervous system, and promote mental clarity, while enhancing your overall sense of physical and mental wellbeing.

Relieve Stress and Calm your Mind

One of the primary reasons busy professionals seek out retreats is to alleviate stress. The state of overwork that has become so common in corporate life frequently leads to burnout and anxiety. Retreats offer a respite from these pressures, allowing you to disconnect from the digital world for a time and reconnect with your inner self. Cultivating a daily practice promotes strength, grace, and balance to help guide you through your journey and in your life back home.

Engage in Cultural Exploration

Beyond wellness and relaxation, international yoga and meditation retreats offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and exploration. They are often held in locations that allow you to experience different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. This cultural enrichment can be as transformative as the physical and mental benefits of yoga and meditation themselves, inviting you to expand your worldview.

Find Community

Immersive retreats afford you the time and space to not only connect with yourself and your surroundings but also connect with fellow travelers and the local people you meet along the way. From friendly interactions with your tour guides and local residents to deeper connections with your fellow travelers, you just may return home having made some new friends for life.

 

The Power of International Retreats

International yoga and meditation retreats are more than just vacations; they are profound journeys that can positively impact your life. By prioritizing your well-being, reducing stress, and embracing cultural diversity, you can return to your busy professional life reenergized and better equipped to handle challenges as they arise.

Is 2024 your year for adventure? To seek out new perspectives? To gain a deeper understanding of yourself? Join us for our Mystical India Retreat!

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area, and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

Discover the benefits of Urban Balance TV, a workplace wellbeing solution with 450+ holistic wellness classes designed to help employees achieve optimal balance in all areas of life. Membership options are available for companies and individuals.

Meet Lizzy Gamberdella

 

  • How long have you been with Urban Balance? I began teaching chair yoga with Urban Balance in June 2022.
  • What part of the country do you teach/present from? I teach from my home base of Santa Barbara, CA.
  • What services do you offer? Along with chair yoga, I regularly teach Classical Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga classes in person in my hometown. I work for a well-known yoga school in California, where I assist within an Advanced Studies (Yoga Teacher Training 300-Hour) program, lead weekly morning pranayama and meditation classes and teach chair yoga for their online studio. One of my favorite services is working one-on-one with yoga clients as a yoga therapist! I offer consultations in Ayurvedic medicine and Reiki sessions as well. I am also a special education teacher, a profession I only recently left.
  • Name one fun or unexpected fact about you.
    Je parle français! Or at least I used to. I lived and spent a year of college in France.
  • What are some of your favorite pastimes/hobbies? I am definitely not wanting for pastimes or hobbies. In fact, I wish I had more time to do them all. I love to see the world and find new places exhilarating! I love art and studied painting in college. Bright colors in nature make me happy and you’ll often catch me taking walks around the lake near my house, gazing at the moon and stars, or smelling the roses. I have had my nose buried in a book since I was a child. I’ve competed in triathlons, (almost) ran the Boston marathon (broke my leg 2 weeks before the race), kickboxed, and surfed, but you won’t catch me spending too much time in the murky depths of the ocean – I’m terrified of the creatures! These days, I mostly love time with my three kids and my yoga practice, and I have dreams of living on a farm.
  • What’s one experience you’re hoping to have in 2023?
    This is the year I hope to start my “yoga farm!” Stay tuned…

Head to our team page to learn more about Lizzy!

On Workplace Stress: 5 Culture Shifts Employers Can Make to Help Employees Manage Overwork and Overwhelm

Stress is a common experience in today’s fast-paced work environment, and it’s no secret that it can take a toll on both employees and employers. As the workplace has gone “back to normal” in many ways here in 2023, a new study from The Hartford found that a majority of workers (84%) indicate they are at least somewhat happy at work, despite the continued overall presence of burnout across the workforce.

It is essential for leadership teams, including CEOs, human resources managers, and chief people officers to implement practices that help manage overwork and overwhelm within their organization. This includes employee benefits programs that truly cater to the needs of today’s workforce.

 

Here are some ideas that can shape a healthier workplace environment where employees’ needs are met and where they are encouraged to thrive.

 

Foster a Positive Work Environment, Starting with the Basics

A positive work environment can go a long way in reducing stress and promoting wellbeing. This can include creating a culture of open communication, recognizing employee achievements, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development. When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to be engaged and productive at work.

Promote Healthy Habits

Healthy habits such as regular movement, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in personal growth and development can help employees manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing. Attention to the many dimensions of wellbeing can also help boost relationships with co-workers, creating a more connected work environment.

As a human resources manager or employee benefits manager, you can promote healthy habits by offering holistic wellness programming as well as incentives for employees who participate in wellness-promoting activities.

Provide Resources for Mental Health Support

Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, and it’s essential to provide resources for employees who need support. This can include access to an employee assistance program (EAP), mental health counseling, or mindfulness-based stress reduction programs. Within the realm of holistic wellness programming, consider meditation and breathwork offerings that allow employees to rest their minds, and wellness webinar topics that validate issues employees are experiencing. By providing resources for mental health support, you’re showing employees that you care about their wellbeing and that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.

Encourage Time Off

One of the best ways to manage overwork and overwhelm is to encourage employees to take time off. This can include vacation time, personal days, or mental health days. Many employees feel guilty about taking time off, even when they need it. Encouraging time off not only helps employees recharge but also shows that your organization values work-life balance. When it comes to holistic wellness programming, offering on-demand content that employees can choose to engage with during their time off is one way to maximize benefits for both employers and employees.

Implement Flexible Schedules

Flexible schedules can help employees manage their workload and balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This can include options such as working from home, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. The Hartford’s study found that although many employees believe their employees would want to work remotely full-time if allowed, only 21% of U.S. workers say they prefer this. When employees have more control over their schedules, they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to be productive.

 

In Conclusion

Managing the effects of overwork and overwhelm is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workplace and avoiding burnout. As corporate leadership, it’s essential to implement practices that promote work-life balance, support mental health, and foster a positive work environment. By doing so, you’ll not only help your employees manage stress, but you’ll also create a culture that values wellbeing and productivity, which is rapidly becoming the “new normal”.

 

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

 

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

Discover the benefits of the Urban Balance on-demand video library, a workplace wellbeing solution with 350+ holistic wellness classes. Includes membership options for companies and individuals.

Meet Maddie Adams

  • How long have you been teaching with Urban Balance?
    Since October 2022.
  • What part of the country do you teach in?
    Portland, OR
  • What services do you offer?
    Currently teaching chair yoga and a blend of gentle yoga, yoga Nidra, and restorative yoga.
  • What do you love most about teaching in the corporate wellness sphere?
    I love helping to contribute to yoga and wellness that’s more inclusive and accessible. I love that my classes at Providence are also free to the general public! Yoga for everyone!
  • Name one fun or unexpected fact about you:
    I am passionate about permaculture and I currently have 3 Nigerian Dwarf Goats which I keep for milk and make my own cheese and yogurt as well.
  • What are some of your favorite pastimes/hobbies?
    In addition to permaculture and gardening, I love hiking, reading, and knitting, and I am a huge D&D fantasy nerd.
  • How would you describe yourself/your teaching style?
    Warm-hearted and gently welcoming, offering inclusive and adaptable practices with an emphasis on syncing breath and movement together. I enjoy making everyone feel at home, included, and radically welcome just as they are in my classes.

Head to our team page to learn more about Maddie and the rest of our team!

Virtual Workplace Wellness Retreats: A Welcome Addition to Today’s Hybrid Workplace

As we settle into the new era of hybrid workplaces, it’s more important than ever to prioritize employee wellbeing. The pandemic has forced us to adapt to a new way of working, blurring the lines between work and personal life. This has resulted in an increased risk of burnout and mental health issues. HR professionals have the responsibility to ensure that employees are happy, healthy, and engaged in their work. One way to achieve this through your company’s employee wellness strategy is to consider offering virtual workplace wellness retreats.

A recent survey of 3,400 people across 10 countries conducted by the Workforce Institute at UKG found that 43% of employees are “often” or “always” exhausted after the workday, and 78% say that stress negatively impacts their work performance. What’s more, work stress carries over from the workday impacting employees’ home life (71%), wellbeing (64%), and relationships (62%). Employees across the spectrum are feeling these impacts, from those with less seniority on up through management.

What we know is that holistic workplace wellness offerings can help employees decrease stress and anxiety, sharpen focus and mental clarity, and improve their confidence and happiness at work.

In this blog post, we will explore the role that virtual workplace wellness retreats in countering stress and burnout in the hybrid workforce and how Urban Balance’s offerings can support your organization.

 

What are Virtual Workplace Wellness Retreats?

While there are many possible ways to structure a virtual retreat, these events are often best implemented over the course of one day or multiple, providing employees with a designated, uninterrupted space set work aside and focus on self-care. Virtual wellness retreats can include a variety of holistic wellness classes and webinars including yoga, movement, meditation, nutrition, wellness self-care with opportunities for employees to rest, unwind, learn new things, and build camaraderie through something other than work. The best part? They’re fully customizable to meet the needs of your unique employees.

Improved Employee Well-being

Virtual workplace wellness retreats offer a unique opportunity for employees to focus on their physical, mental, and emotional health. Employees will walk away with self-care tools they can build into their daily routine along with a sense of nourishment and refreshment. By prioritizing their wellbeing, employees can reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and feel better overall.

Enhanced Team Building

Virtual workplace wellness retreats provide an opportunity for employees to connect with one another while having a shared experience in a supportive environment. By participating in classes together, employees can build stronger relationships and foster a sense of community within the organization. This can lead to improved collaboration, communication, and teamwork in the workplace.

Increased Employee Engagement

Offering virtual workplace wellness retreats can increase employee engagement and motivation. When employees feel valued and supported by their organization, they are more likely to be invested in their work and the success of the company. Virtual workplace wellness retreats provide a welcome opportunity for employees to take a break from their daily routines and focus on self-care. This can lead to increased motivation, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Reduced Absenteeism and Healthcare Costs

By investing in the health and well-being of your employees through special offerings like retreats, you can reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs. Employees who prioritize their health are less likely to get sick and miss work. Additionally, by promoting wellness practices, you can help prevent chronic health conditions and reduce healthcare costs for your organization.

Improved Employee Morale and Retention

Virtual workplace wellness retreats can improve employee morale and retention. When employees feel supported by their organization and have opportunities to prioritize their well-being, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their job. This can lead to increased employee retention and reduced costs associated with turnover. Urban Balance’s virtual retreats offer a sense of peace and refreshment, promoting a positive workplace culture that can improve employee satisfaction.

Increased Cultural Competency

Virtual workplace wellness retreats can promote cultural competency by exposing employees to diverse wellness practices from around the world. By incorporating practices such as yoga and meditation from different cultures, employees can gain a better understanding of and appreciation for diverse perspectives. This can lead to a more inclusive workplace culture and improved relationships between employees from different backgrounds.

 

In conclusion, virtual workplace wellness retreats provide a unique opportunity to promote employee well-being and improve organizational outcomes. By improving employee well-being, enhancing team building, increasing employee engagement, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs, improving employee morale and retention, and promoting cultural competency, virtual workplace wellness retreats can have a positive impact on your organization. Urban Balance’s fully customizable virtual retreat experiences offer a range of classes and activities tailored to the unique needs of your employees. Our goal is to help employees make their work life feel more sustainable, and for them to leave with a sense of peace and refreshment.

 

Contact us to schedule a retreat for your employees today and discover the benefits for yourself!
Ask us about our newest virtual retreat packages for 2023 including the Compassion Mini-Retreat, Half-day Virtual Retreat, Full-day Embodied Wisdom Retreat, and 6-hour Leadership/Management Virtual Retreat.

 

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Urban Balance is the premier provider of comprehensive on-site corporate wellness services including massage in the Portland, Oregon metro area and offers virtual workplace wellness programming worldwide. We deliver livestream and on-demand classes, webinars, and special events to the workplace environment for happier employees and a healthier bottom line.

Browse our virtual wellness services catalog with offerings including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, HIIT, Barre Sculpt, meditation, nutrition, learning opportunities, and more.

Discover the benefits of the Urban Balance on-demand video library, a workplace wellbeing solution with 350+ holistic wellness classes. Includes membership options for companies and individuals.

Meet Rebecca “Sunny” Sunshine

  • How long have you been with Urban Balance?
    3 months
  • What part of the country do you teach/present from?
    Portland, Oregon
  • What services do you offer?
    With Urban Balance specifically, I offer Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Core Yoga.
    More generally, I offer Yoga, Dynamic Mindfulness, Meditation, Dance, and Foam rolling.
  • What do you love most about teaching in the corporate wellness sphere?
    I love having access to a diverse group of students at all different stages of life. As a teacher, I’m a forever student and thus gain so much knowledge from all of the people that show up to class. I value having access to people who may not always feel welcome or included in a traditional yoga studio setting. It brings me so much joy to share the Yoga practice with real people going through real things. As someone who started my career in the corporate world, I feel like I can truly empathize with others who have demanding jobs and are looking to find more harmony in their lives.
  • Name one fun or unexpected fact about you.
    I spent my 20s and early 30s living in Tel Aviv, Berlin, and Siem Reap, and traveling around to other amazing places.
  • What are some of your favorite pastimes/hobbies?
    My favorite pastimes include apple picking with my family, making up dances with my siblings, family road trips, working in the entertainment industry for a couple of years, and skydiving.
  • How would you describe yourself/your teaching style?
    My style is kinda like that saying “variety is the spice of life.” I lead with a “life less serious” approach and aim to help people lighten up in body, mind, and heart.
  • What’s one experience you’re hoping to have in 2023?
    Spending some quality time in Europe again – I already have my trip booked!

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