"Are you ready to release what is burdening you?" asked a soft spoken woman in a yoga outfit, smiling gently at the room.
Scott crossed his arms, watching the room before him. They'd been instructed to take their employees wellbeing seriously, so they'd hired a yoga instructor to guide them through some wellbeing practices. But he had the distinct impression she wanted him to join in as she kept glancing over at him, nodding at him with encouragement. He smiled back, but never engaged.
The question had caused them all to glance over at him. Some seemed to be asking permission. Some seemed to indicate he was their burden. Some seemed to accuse him with their stares, perhaps thinking of ways to remove him from their lives. He almost wanted to laugh, but refrained.
"Why isn't you getting involved?" asked Rhys, a bold young adult who'd joined only recently and hadn't learnt not to question his judgement. Not yet. He hoped for Rhys's sake, he'd learn. Otherwise, he couldn't see him lasting beyond six months.
"I'm here to ensure everything runs smoothly."
"Well, it would help with workplace unity if you joined in," said the instructor. Scott raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I see. You think you're too good for yoga. He won't rise to the challenge."
More like to the bait, he thought, but he couldn't deny his ego wanting to prove her wrong. It was a weakness of his, one he should know how to handle by now.
Without another word, he scowled towards the back of her and moved to stand at the back of the room. She smiled in his direction, then gestured for him to move towards the front of the room.
"As a manager, it is vital you lead the way, to raise morale."
She looked eager at her words, a speech likely meant to motivate him. But he knew better, seeing a twinkle in her eyes. She was mischievous, and obviously got her way often. After all, how can you turn down such a soft woman?
"Then your team will continue to resist you, which leads to conflicts and disagreements that can really sour a work environment."
He liked conflict and disagreements, even actively encouraged it. Now this woman was here to uproot everything he'd worked hard to create.
"Well, we wouldn't want that," he said in a mocking tone that was meant to patronise her, but she didn't seem phased.
"That's more like it. Now come on."
Scott had never taken such a disliking to a person before, and he disliked a lot of people. He reluctantly stood directly in front of her, then like everyone else, followed her lead.
An hour later, he had to admit, his body did feel looser and his employees seemed lighter. He hadn't totally disregarded yoga before. In fact, he'd even enjoyed it at some point. But one of his ex's was a yoga instructor and nothing had been the same since.
"Congratulations, you've all released your burdens. Now, be free to carry on living your best life with your best self."
Scott had to be the last one to leave, despite wanting to be one of the first. He watched them all leave, chatting amongst themselves, and certainly making comments about him. He grit his teeth, knowing he'd retaliate against any mockery towards him.
"Scott, is it?" asked the yoga instructor. He sighed, nodding. "I can't help but notice you're responsible for most of the hurdles amongst your employees. Can I suggest-"
"No. Thank you for your time. It seems to have helped."
"Oh, but one session won't be enough."
Of course it wasn't. It never would be. "It'll have to be."
"I'm not that expensive."
"Do it for free, then we'll talk."
He expected her to look indignant, then walk away. Instead, she sized him up, then nodded. "Okay, fine."
"When is best for me to come in?"
"Wednesdays are great for me. I'm totally free."
"No, there's been a misunder-"
"No, there hasn't. I'm going to prove to you why you need me, and if by the end of three months, you still want to play this ridiculous game, by all means, get rid of me. But, if I genuinely help, you have to pay for the three months I'm doing for free and sign them all up for a year."
"This isn't a negotiation. We've done the one agreed upon session."
"Mm, but there's still so much potential-"
"I said no. Please, see yourself out."
Any light hearted expression left, replaced by her own scowl. "I'll be here next Wednesday, at 10am. You will leave me alone, and we'll see what I can do."
"If you so much as enter this building-"
"You don't want to mess with me, boy. I've dealt with men like you my entire life, and they all crack eventually. The real question is, how long will it take you?"
Before he could protest or come up with a witty retort, she left the room and sauntered away. He cursed under his breath, knowing this was a battle he wouldn't win, and he so hated those.
