Yoga for Gender-Based Empowerment: A New Approach in Employee Wellness

Abstract

The well-being of employees has become an important issue in a competitive market within organisations. This is influenced in part by the fact that modern man is much more alert to his/her rights and more intent on leading a balanced life; increasingly seeking for a greater balance between work, leisure and family life. In its quest to gain a competitive edge in its industry, an organisation needs to consider the well-being of its employees. Among the different strategies that organisations use to ensure the well-being of its employees is yoga. Yoga has gained increased attention and popularity worldwide as a new means for improved physical and mental health. It has now become an integral part of many global organisations to positively alter the behaviour patterns of employees who experience high stress levels. Although yoga has been getting widespread acclaims, the relative roles of yoga on employee well-being has not being studied comprehensively. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore relationship between the implementation of gender-based yoga and enhancement of employees’ wellness for improved productivity. In order to obtain relevant data, qualitative methods were utilized. Based on the findings implications for further studies are made.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p268