Model of yoga intervention in industrial organizational psychology for counterproductive work behavior

Abstract

Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) has long been recognized as a broad spectrum of job behaviors and its link with negative affectivity and hostile behaviors. It is a major concern practically for all organizations. Repeated exposure to workplace stressor can result in a strain, an outcome of the job stress process that can be psychological, physical, or behavioral in nature, leading to CWBs. Yoga is a technique that brings an improvement on mental and physical level by means of posture, breathing control methods, and silencing the mind through meditation. Though yoga has received less scientific consideration, there has been a significant growth in the study of yoga in the healthy population. Mindfulness and self-control practices like yoga encourage individuals to be aware and accept their aggression linked thoughts and emotions simply as a short-lived state rather than to control them. The positive effects of yoga on the improvement of personality traits are already proven. This paper introduces a simple model of cost-effective, trials of yoga intervention at the workplace which could result in the twin benefits of substantial savings from losses for the employers by reducing the CWB and health improvements for the employees by reducing the negative affectivity and aggression. Internet databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and APA PsycNET were accessed. The available data were systematically reviewed in a structured manner and analyzed.

The Use of Yoga to Manage Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

“…Increasing the use of yoga and meditation can provide a valid help to the healthcare workers in achieving a stable psycho-physical well-being that enhances their value within their work environment. This is mainly through simple meditation exercises which do not require a specific environment and can even be performed in any workplace setting [45]. The yoga program discussed in the study of Klatt et al emphasizes the advantages of an activity that prove to be feasible and adaptable to the working environment [15].…”

The impact of yoga on occupational stress and wellbeing: exploring practitioners’ experiences

“…Yoga as a skill in action could also be seen as a stronger sense of mastery and self-confidence ( 18 , 51 ). Wellbeing also relates to increased psychological functioning, like increased focus and presence, feeling in control, and more content ( 14 , 44 , 57 ).…”

“…Short-term and intense stress often have physical consequences, like headaches, muscle tension, flu-like symptoms, and increased heart rate and blood pressure ( 46 ). When perceived stress is prolonged, it can result in more serious consequences, like counterproductive behavior ( 14 , 15 ), acute mental and physical health challenges ( 14 , 47 ), burnout ( 45 , 48 ), and a reduced sense of wellbeing ( 49 ). Thus, it is important to prevent workplace stress and to provide tools to counteract stress.…”

“…Increased wellbeing can be a protective factor against mental health problems, as well as severe problems like anxiety and depression. Practicing yoga regularly has been found to result in high levels of wellbeing, psychological functioning, and happiness ( 14 , 44 , 57 ). Thus, workplaces need to develop health and wellbeing-promoting initiatives like yoga in the workplace to improve occupational wellbeing.…”

“…People who experience stress over time, in their jobs and/or in their everyday lives, can develop both mental and physical health problems. Examples of consequences of occupational stress include mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and burnout ( 9–11 ), physical health problems like back pain ( 12 ), cardiovascular health issues ( 13 ), as well as loss in productivity ( 14 , 15 ). Yoga is about to become a complementary way to increase wellbeing and facilitate coping with stress for employees in contemporary society ( 16 ).…”