Two Years of Yoga in the office: How One Idea Became a Community

About the beginning and motivation

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ekaterina Chankova, and I am a Methodology & IP Analyst at Hitachi Solutions Bulgaria. I have been teaching yoga for over 13 years, and for the past two years, we’ve been practicing yoga together every Tuesday after work at the office.

How did your yoga journey start, and what inspired you to become an instructor?

My yoga journey entered my life exactly when I needed it most. I never imagined that one day I would become a yoga teacher. It started like many meaningful experiences do — in a moment when you try something new and you think, “There’s no way this is for me,” and then something magical happens. It was like love at first sight! 🙂

My professional path initially led me to become a Pilates instructor in 2009. Shortly after, I moved to Germany and began teaching. During a particularly challenging personal period, I found yoga — and through the practice, I found inner healing, growth and balance. Yoga helped me rediscover myself and my inner peace. From that deep personal connection, I became passionate about it and led me to complete two yoga teacher trainings in the United States. Yoga changed my life in many unique ways and introduced me to truly amazing people.

What motivated you to bring yoga into the office environment?

While I was in Germany, I was already teaching corporate yoga classes. When I joined Hitachi, the idea came up naturally during conversations with my colleagues: “What if we do yoga at the office?” Everyone responded with enthusiasm, and HR immediately supported and encouraged the initiative. Since then, yoga has become part of our weekly office life.

Can you tell us about the very first yoga session you organized at work? How did it all begin?

The very first yoga session was intended as a simple trial. Honestly, I never expected it to turn into a weekly practice — but here we are, two years later, still enjoying the opportunity to create a calm and restorative space together after work.

About the company sessions

You’ve been leading yoga sessions in the office every Tuesday for two years now — how has this experience evolved over time?

It has been truly inspiring to observe the transformation in everyone who joined. What we do is more than just a physical practice — it’s a commitment to personal growth. It isn’t always easy; it’s sometimes challenging, and yet everyone chooses to spend an hour of their personal time on the mat. That dedication means everything to me.

Have you noticed any changes in team dynamics, mood, or productivity since yoga became part of the office routine?

Absolutely! Yoga has brought us closer together as a team. We sometimes arrive tired after long workdays — and we leave lighter, calmer, and smiling. People consistently share that they sleep better, feel more relaxed, and start the next day more focused and productive. The energy shift is visible and tangible.

Impact on people and culture

How do you think yoga contributes to team bonding and communication?

On the mat, roles disappear. We leave our tasks and deadlines behind and simply practice together. This environment allows people to connect on a deeper level, creating space for understanding, empathy, and authentic communication.

How do initiatives like yours influence the culture at Hitachi Solutions Bulgaria and the overall work environment?

Initiatives like this create more than activities — they create a community. When people come together around a shared cause, whether it’s wellbeing or personal growth, they connect not just professionally but also on a personal level. It builds a culture where employees feel seen, valued, and supported. To me, that speaks volumes about Hitachi’s culture.

Work-life balance and wellbeing

Why do you think it’s important for companies to support initiatives like yoga or other wellness practices?

In today’s fast-paced world, balance is essential. Wellness practices empower people to pause, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. When people are supported in caring for their wellbeing, motivation, engagement, and energy naturally increase — especially in a corporate environment.

What does “work-life balance” mean to you personally?

It means doing my best at work while also making time for what I love. Hitachi gives me that opportunity, and I’m truly grateful for it.

How can small moments of mindfulness or movement during the week affect our overall wellbeing and productivity?

Without even five minutes a day for yourself, burnout comes quickly. We are not created only to work — we are here to feel, create, and enjoy life. Movement is very important. Sitting at a desk all day doesn’t just exhaust us physically; it drains us emotionally and mentally. Even small moments of stretching, walking, and standing during a call — can make a real difference. Activities like going to the gym or a yoga class after work can shift a lot in daily life.

Personal reflections

You’ve mentioned that you love our company and believe it’s a place where dreams can come true — could you tell us more about that feeling?

I’ve always followed my dreams, and joining Hitachi felt like one of them becoming real. The team spirit, the support, the recognition, even in small gestures, this makes a huge difference. There is openness to ideas, room for creativity, and people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

This is my moment to say Thank you! — to everyone who believed in me, even when I didn’t, and to those who supported me with patience and encouragement. This level of respect and trust cannot be bought. It is a gift.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

I’ve learned that I can be strong while accepting my weaknesses, that kindness is the most powerful gesture, and that growth doesn’t happen alone. Sometimes, others believe in us before we believe in ourselves. I’ve also learned how powerful a community can be. And last, but not least, when you do what you love every day, you are truly living your dream.

What do you consider the greatest value of your personal investment — your time and energy?

For a teacher, the greatest reward is seeing the student’s growth, sometimes beyond what you ever imagined. When someone tells you that a class changed their day or helped them through a difficult time, nothing compares to that feeling. We grow by lifting others!

If you could give one piece of advice to colleagues who are still hesitating to join, what would it be?

Listen to your heart!

If it doesn’t feel right today, that’s okay. But I encourage everyone to try at least once. Yoga is not just something you do — it’s something you experience. Often people are surprised by what they discover when they give themselves that chance. If you never try, you will never know. Who knows, it might change your life for better! 🙂