Experian believes that mental health and exercise go hand-in-hand, and is hosting a three-week mindfulness programme which includes virtual yoga.
Due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the organisation has accelerated its plans to launch its mindfulness series. Originally the plan was to host a series of webinars and activities in person, as well as online, for its 3,500 employees. However with the majority of employees working from home, the sessions are now virtual, with a six-week yoga practice being a new edition to the schedule.
Anthony White, senior reward manager at Experian, says: “These sessions were on the road map as part of our wellbeing strategy but something we planned to do later in the year. Because of the current situation we have accelerated these plans.”
This is the first time Experian has hosted a yoga class for its employees, and although there are no concrete plans to continue this once employees return to the office, it is not off the cards.
“The wellbeing of our employees is definitely top of the agenda,” says White. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about the programme and we probably would seriously consider [regular yoga classes] once we are back in the office.”
Experian understands the correlation between physical activity and mental health and is also encouraging its employees to take part in other types of activity. The organisation is signposting Joe Wicks’ daily online classes and virtual exercise classes within its online wellbeing guide.
In addition to this, the organisation’s 45-minute webinars and podcasts include sessions on body image and stress on the body, sleep loss and how this impacts on mental health, as well as changing the relationship with difficult emotions such as being angry or anxious.
“The first seminar was about working from home and its challenges, balancing working from home and home life. It was all about settling your busy mind,” says White.
Experian is currently sending out weekly email newsletters to all UK and Ireland employees with a large focus on all of the wellbeing support available; including nutrition, sleep, exercise, mental health, financial wellbeing and support for working families.