In today's corporate context, employees are facing unprecedented levels of stress. In Switzerland,
Travail.Suisse's latest working conditions barometer (Baromètre des conditions de travail) revealed that over 40% of employees often and very often feel stressed by their work. This constant pressure can lead to health problems, reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Faced with this reality, sophrology is emerging as an effective solution for companies concerned about the well-being of their employees.
While companies in France have already massively adopted sophrology in their arsenal of tools for well-being, talent development and strengthening collaboration, companies in Switzerland have every interest in making it a key part of their HR toolbox, given its many advantages and benefits.
Much More Than a Relaxation Method!
Sophrology, developed by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s, is a mind-body method designed to harmonize body and mind. It combines relaxation, breathing, meditation, gentle movement and visualization techniques to a develop serene conscience, inner balance and a positive attitude.
Each technique activates the body and mind with a precise intention. These techniques help people to relax, better manage their emotions and develop a positive attitude to the challenges of professional and personal life.
It would be simplistic to regard sophrology as a simple relaxation method, when it is much more than that! It enables us to access our brain's optimal capacities, and to reinforce who we are and what we're capable of on a daily basis. Above all, it's about boosting capacity.
Practical, Everyday Applications
Yoga and meditation are two of the most popular methods used in the corporate world, as they are now well established and widely available. Unlike these methods, sophrology is more oriented towards concrete applications and measurable results. The exercises are accessible to all, easy to learn and to re-use in everyday life, without the need for special clothing or equipment.
It also differs from mindfulness and neuro-linguistic programming in its integrative approach, which reinforces the connection between body and mind, enabling us to work holistically on the 3 poles of body-mind-emotions. It facilitates more comprehensive prevention of stress-related health problems, and helps strengthen individual resources, making people stronger, more confident and more resilient in their day-to-day lives.
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I discovered the benefits of sophrology on my way of being and thinking. The exercises are accessible and don't take up much time. They can easily be practiced at home or at work. My stress levels have dropped over the weeks, and I now have the keys to help me through more difficult periods."
»
Nathalie N., employee
Sophrology is an active, pragmatic approach for strengthening individual capacities, such as building self-confidence or a positive attitude. By empowering employees, sophrology makes them true actors of their own development and well-being.
Preventing Health Problems
Sophrology plays a key role in the prevention of health problems, reducing the risk of burnouts, exhaustion and psychosomatic illnesses thanks to its holistic body-mind-emotions approach. It is also an invaluable tool for supporting employees when they return to work after a prolonged absence. It helps employees regain confidence in their abilities, manage the emotions associated with returning to work, and gradually reintegrate into the work rhythm. By promoting emotional, mental and physical balance, sophrology facilitates a smooth transition and reduces the risk of relapse.
The Multiple Benefits of Sophrology for Employees
At a time when personal challenges often have an impact on professional life and vice versa, a holistic approach to strengthening mental and emotional balance is extremely necessary. Sophrology helps to develop employees' abilities that are useful in both the professional and private spheres.
1. Promoting general well-being
The physical and mental benefits of sophrology include reduced muscular tension, lightened mental load and improved sleep, contributing to greater overall well-being.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety
Sophrology helps employees to manage tension and negative emotions, even in situations of work overload.
A recent study by Sofrocay, the sophrology umbrella organization, demonstrated the effectiveness of sophrology in stress management. According to my own figures, employees who practice sophrology regularly over several weeks experience a stress reduction between 20% and 45%.
Between 20% and 45% in stress reduction thanks to sophrology
3. Burnout prevention and recovery
Using stress and emotional management techniques, sophrology helps to prevent burnout and support recovery by teaching people to better manage difficult situations and re-establish emotional balance. It also promotes recovery by helping individuals to release accumulated tension and regain positive energy.
4. Improving concentration and productivity
Using focus techniques, employees can improve their concentration and thus increase their efficiency. Breathing and relaxation exercises help to rest the brain, a regeneration necessary to keep a clear mind, make decisions and maintain a high level of performance. In a recent program I ran, participants reported a 17.6% increase in concentration after 8 sessions of sophrology.
5. Boosting self-confidence
Positive visualization exercises help build self-esteem and boost confidence in one's abilities, a valuable asset in the workplace.
Sophrology offers many benefits to employees, which in turn brings many benefits to employers too.
Why Bring Sophrology into the Workplace?
5. Strengthening team cohesion
Group sophrology sessions help strengthen bonds between employees, improve interpersonal relations and reinforce team cohesion, facilitating better collaboration.
6. Skills development
Sophrology can play a key role in corporate talent development. By encouraging employees to get to know themselves better and develop their emotional intelligence, sophrology helps to identify their unique skills and natural strengths. This awareness not only optimizes their personal potential, but also aligns them with the company's needs and objectives.
7. Reducing accidents
Sophrology enhances employees' concentration and alertness, thus reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace. Better stress management and increased regeneration help maintain a high level of attention, contributing to a safer working environment.
8. Stimulation of creativity and innovation
By freeing the mind from tension and promoting a state of deep relaxation, sophrology stimulates creativity and innovation. Freed from daily stress and pressure, employees are more inclined to think innovatively and come up with original solutions to business challenges.
9. Developing authentic, human leaders
The regular practice of sophrology helps employees to develop better self-management, more effective communication and greater resilience. These skills are essential for developing authentic and inspiring leaders, capable of motivating their teams and leading the company to success.
By investing in sophrology, companies not only improve the well-being of their employees, but also build a healthier, more productive and innovative working environment.
An Easy-to-Implement Approach
Sophrology can easily be practised in both individual and group sessions. Individual sessions can be similar to coaching, in that the person works towards personal goals. They will learn concrete, practical tools adapted to their needs, which they can then easily reuse over and over again in the form of training. This is particularly effective in the context of a talent development measure, to reinforce skills needed in a current position or for promotion, to support an exacerbated stress problem or to prepare for a speech experienced as anxiety-provoking, for example.
In its collective form, sophrology is also highly effective not only as part of a corporate wellness or health management program, but also to support change management and strengthen intra- and inter-team communication and collaboration.
Regularity to Anchor Benefits and Positive Habits
Sophrology programs with regular sessions are particularly recommended to maximize long-term benefits. Indeed, by practicing sophrology regularly, employees reinforce acquired skills such as breathing management and relaxation, which become reflexes and new habits useful for better stress management. Repeated sessions enable these techniques to be gradually integrated into daily life, ensuring lasting changes in well-being and performance.
What's more, ongoing follow-up enables the practice to be adjusted to participants' specific needs, optimizing the benefits for both the individual and the company. This regular framework also demonstrates the company's willingness to anchor wellness permanently within the organization, and to create a corporate culture genuinely focused on the prevention of health risks.
What About Giving it a Try in Your Organization?
Sophrology offers many benefits for employees and companies, from stress reduction to talent development and resilience building. It's a valuable - and, all things considered, sensible - investment in employee well-being and improved quality of life at work.
To find out more, or to arrange an initial discovery session,
contact me today to discuss your HR objectives and needs.
