As an executive assistant at a major media group, she was trained in the Yogist Well At Work® method
Isabelle completed the Well At Work® workshop facilitator certification with Yogist as part of the 17th cohort. As an executive assistant at the newspaper Le Progrès, which is part of a major media group (Ebra Presse), she leads workshops on stress management and musculoskeletal disorders. We asked her about her experience with our training program.
How did you hear about the Yogist – Well At Work® method?
I wanted to use my CPF to take a stress management course.
While searching the CPF website, I came across Yogist – Well at Work®, among other things, and it caught my attention. So I contacted Marie Granvillain, with whom I communicated extensively and who answered all my questions. She also gave me the names of certified practitioners so I could talk with them. I started the training in March 2024 and was certified in June!
What has the Yogist – Well at Work® method brought to your journey and to your daily life, particularly in your professional practice? How do you put it into practice?
The method first helped me on a personal level, allowing me to learn how to manage my own stress and all the related issues, since I used to suffer from neck pain and migraines. I found it incredibly beneficial.
And on a professional level, I’ve discovered a method with a simple technique that’s well-suited to the professional world and easy to teach.
As soon as I received my certification, I started holding 15-minute workshops every week, first at one branch and then at a second branch by the end of the year.
I provide support to help employees take active breaks and look after themselves during work hours.
The agencies are staffed by journalists, assistants, and administrative staff, who are primarily desk-bound. And sometimes sales representatives, managers, or elected officials.
I also spoke at a meeting of the CHSCT (Committee on Health, Safety, and Working Conditions – Ed.) with the CSR director, the HR manager, and the department director to introduce them to the method as well.
“I’m here to help employees take active breaks and look after themselves during work hours.”
Isabelle Bonnefoy, Executive Assistant at Le Progrès
What are your plans for the Yogist – Well at Work® method?
I would like to continue these workshops and expand them to include online options.
Yogist has signed on with the group for the QWL spring event, which will help us reach more people and expand our online presence.
In my workshops, I’ve noticed that it’s mainly the younger generations who are open to the concept of quality of life at work—issues that weren’t discussed much before. The younger generation has come to understand the importance of taking care of themselves.
I’ve reached about 200 people, but it’s often the same people who come back. I have about 5 to 7 people per workshop, depending on the week. My goal is to get more people involved!
Do you have a memorable story to share with us? Has any feedback really touched you?
I led a workshop that started with a relaxation exercise. It was right at the very beginning of the workshop; I was just giving everyone a moment to breathe, and someone actually… fell asleep! I had to wake them up so I could continue the workshop!
The feedback from people who make the effort to come is overwhelmingly positive; they talk to me about “true moments of well-being,” “breathing spaces,” and “a welcoming atmosphere that lets you relax and recharge your batteries.”
What is Well at Work in a nutshell?
I have two!
The first benefit is relaxation, because it really brings an immediate sense of well-being. After just fifteen minutes in the workshop, you feel better and more relaxed.
The other key word is " breathing," because it is the foundation of everything in the Yogist – Well at Work® method for managing both stress and energy.
We focus on breathing at the beginning and end of the workshop, and throughout—all the exercises involve breathing, so it’s an important concept.
Why do you think people should adopt the Yogist – Well at Work® method?
Simply because it’s an easy method that’s accessible to everyone, whether in person or remotely, at the office, at home, or on public transportation.
Another strength of Yogist – Well at Work® is the community that surrounds it—the mutual support and kindness. I really felt that during the training, whether through the facilitators or the other participants.
“Another strength of Yogist - Well at Work® is the community that surrounds it—the mutual support and kindness. I really felt that during the training, whether through the facilitators or the other participants.”
In your opinion, what benefits does Yogist – Well at Work® offer for mental and physical health in the workplace? In what ways is the method innovative?
For me, what sets it apart is its simplicity and accessibility; it has an immediate impact on concentration, fatigue, energy levels, stress, and pain, and it can easily be incorporated into the workplace.
These are short exercises that can be done at your desk.
What’s your favorite exercise? What exercise would you recommend for 2025? And why?
I really like the downward-facing dog pose because it stretches both the lower back and the legs, and it makes me feel instantly better.
Otherwise—especially when it comes to mental health—I really like the "square breathing" technique, which helps you focus, relax, and stay calm before an important deadline.
(Photo credit: Charly Jurine – Le Progrès)
