This case explores the challenges and dilemmas faced by managers when implementing mind-body interventions in workplaces. The financial burden of reduced productivity due to absenteeism, presenteeism, employee turnover, and suboptimal performance is alarmingly high. Reduced organizational productivity is not limited to a particular organization but is an overarching concern for any organization in general.

In the future, adapting to the emerging trends of task-sharing, managers who are not formally trained in psychotherapies can also be entrusted with the responsibility of addressing the organization’s mental health needs with some basic training. Such an expansion in the scope of a manager’s role demands them to make crucial decisions regarding the choice of wellbeing interventions and their implementation strategies.

Yoga-based and mindfulness-based interventions are potential solutions for workplace wellbeing needs, as their field efficacies are well-researched. However, managers face dilemmas such as: Which interventions should be selected? How should they be tailored? What frequency ensures effectiveness? Ultimately, how to balance organizational profitability with meaningful employee wellbeing interventions?

To understand the yoga-based interventions, this case uses the pañcakośa model to explore the spectrum of human existence and the interconnection between the mind and body. Similarly, to understand mindfulness-based interventions, basic philosophical concepts from Buddhist literature are highlighted. It further examines how this model can be used to choose primary or secondary types of interventions and select the appropriate duration of implementation. Overall, it emphasizes the use of traditional wisdom along with emerging management trends to address the workplace wellbeing needs of an organization.

Learning Objectives

1. To discuss the economic and organizational implications of workplace wellbeing challenges.
2. To explore the emerging role of managers in addressing workplace wellbeing challenges.
3. To understand yoga and mindfulness-based interventions from the perspective of classical literature.
4. To use the pañcakośa model and other workplace interventional concepts to design yoga-based workplace wellbeing programs.