How Different Types of Yoga Can Support Wellness in the Workplace

23 Oct 2025

What is Workplace Yoga? 

Yoga in the workplace offers a wide range of benefits for both employees and businesses. 

In this blog, we explore the different types of yoga practices you can introduce into the workplace and what each offers.

The discipline of yoga has a history that stretches back thousands of years to ancient India. Today, common types of yoga include Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa. Each varies in its specific aims and execution, but all focus on achieving harmony between mind and body through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. 

Because of this focus on harmony, yoga has emerged as a great way to promote wellbeing in the workplace. By adapting the practice to suit the working environment, employees are able to tap into a unique kind of mindfulness while also nurturing their physical health. Workplace yoga can take many forms, from rolling out mats in an open part of the office to simply doing exercises at your desk. It’s flexible and adaptable to the needs and abilities of staff.
 

Different Types of Yoga and Their Benefits 

Desk Yoga

As the name suggests, desk yoga can be done at your desk and is an excellent way to counteract the impact of working in a seated position for a prolonged period. It draws on the restorative practice of Hatha Yoga and tends to feature deep breaths and gentle movements like neck rolls, finger stretches, and shoulder shrugs. Desk yoga can be practised throughout the day as a brief movement break.

• Improves posture, relieves tension and boosts circulation 

• Contributes to stress reduction

• Takes less than 15 minutes, and you don’t need special equipment 

Chair Yoga

Though it shares some characteristics with desk yoga, chair yoga tends to involve a longer session that includes low-impact exercise. Some poses are performed seated, while others use the chair for support while standing. The practice was originally designed for older adults and people with mobility requirements, but it has since been more widely adopted as an accessible way for people to try yoga without any prior experience.

Benefits of Chair Yoga:

• Improves flexibility, balance, muscle strength and circulation 

• Contributes to stress reduction and improved mood through the release of endorphins

• Sessions range from 15 to 30 minutes and require no special equipment 

Full Yoga Sessions

A full corporate yoga session generally starts with some centring breathing before moving through a warm-up, the main practice, and then a cool-down. It takes 30 minutes to one hour and incorporates elements of Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. These sessions are led by an instructor who offers different options for each movement to ensure accessibility to all participants, regardless of experience. Because of their length, it’s common for these sessions to occur during lunchtime. 

Compared to the other types of yoga practices mentioned so far, this one is closer to a traditional yoga session. A full corporate yoga session will require more space for participants to spread out (a conference room or park are good options), and each participant will need a mat or towel, as well as some comfortable clothing. 

Benefits of a Full Corporate Yoga Session
 

• Improves flexibility, balance, strength, circulation and energy levels

• Contributes to improved mental wellbeing and focus

• Encourages team bonding and a healthy work-life balance

Yoga and Corporate Wellness 

An effective Corporate Wellness Program does two things:

1. It improves the physical and mental wellbeing of your team

2. It yields dividends for your business by boosting productivity and morale 

Workplace yoga can be an excellent addition to your wellness program, and our team is here to help. 

Contact us today to discuss a bespoke Corporate Wellness Program for your workplace.  

Back To News Stories