How Alexander Technique Can Help your Workplace Thrive

A BALM FOR BACK PAIN
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Recently, Lazlo Block, SVP, head of People Operations at google (also known as HR) recommended the Alexander Technique for desk bound back pain. There are a couple of reasons for this:

1. Muscoloskeletal disorders (strains, sprains, and pains) account for 29% of days missed in the workplace for injury or illness according to spine-health.com--nearly a third of all days taken for this reason. Lower back injuries represent a large segment of these. The loss in productivity from these days missed  is obvious. Alexander Technique is clinically supported to make significant improvements in back and neck pain management, and could restore much of this lost work time. These numbers don't include occupational injuries in jobs that require physical strain that might be prevented with Alexander Technique work.

2. We spend over 50 billion dollars annually on back pain treatment according to the American Chiropractic Association. The potential cost to employers speaks for itself. 

3. Because the Alexander Technique focuses on prevention, it will not only help people with active issues but may keep others from developing problems. It also is cost effective and efficient: other problems such as carpel tunnel and shoulder pain might be cleared up in the process; and just 6 one-on-one Alexander lessons can be effective--a steal in comparison to physical therapy or medication.

POSITIVE SIDE EFFECTS

In addition to the benefits for back pain, there are other fringe benefits to having an A.T. educated workplace: 

1. Stress Management--Alexander Technique sessions can be deeply relaxing, and equip students to handle and release tension as it comes up, helping workers under stressful conditions and preventing problems and errors.

2. Process Oriented--Alexander work asks students to be aware of their habits and gives them a framework for changing them, a process that can be applied to mental and workplace habits as well. It also asks students to focus on the quality of process--what A.T. Teachers call the 'means-whereby'-- rather than the result, which has the effect of learning to 'keep your eye on the ball'. 

3. Communication Skills--Alexander Technique can be wonderful for working on presentation and communication skills: the body and breath have a tremendous impact on our ability to effectively convey meaning. 

How Can I Get an Alexander Teacher to Come Work with my People?
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1. Host a Workshop/Intensive: Though not as effective as one-on-one lessons, a workshop can give your staff the basics and give useful workplace tips. Workshops can be adjusted and targeted to meet your most urgent needs. An intensive or workshop series gives an even more of a chance for the training to transform your office.

2. Host Lessons at your Workplace: If you have the space, consider having a teacher set up in a conference room for the day to do one-on-one sessions with workers and help them with their specific needs. One could also offer a limited number of recurring lesson slots for workers in need and help them to change over time.

3. Subsidize Lessons: At present, U.S. insurance does not cover Alexander lessons despite the scientific evidence and cost-efficiency that led the UK's National Health Service to adopt it. As an alternative, consider giving a subsidy to help workers who want to take a basic 6-lesson series to help them to be affordable.

Contact me with Questions or to Arrange a Booking