Hong Kong ( CNN ) -- Like other major financial centers such as London , Shanghai or New York , Hong Kong is home to legions of suited workers toiling long hours in vast , glass towers at breakneck speed . But in this crowded , materialistic city , there 's a man trying to build a business from de-stressing the workplace . `` The wellness of employees is the wellness of the company ; the very strength of a company is its employees , '' said Dario Calvaruso , a yoga instructor who set up Holistic Wellness -- a company that offers a series of in-office programs to reduce stress . He 's on a mission to make yoga mats an essential fixture under every Hong Kong worker 's desk . The 39-year old spent 15 years living in India studying the ancient discipline , which seeks to relax those who practice it , through elongation , slow movement and controlled breathing . Opportunity . When Calvaruso moved to Hong Kong in October 2011 , opportunity knocked on his door . `` Many of my friends were major company managers and approached me for private ( yoga ) classes , '' Calvaruso said . `` After seeing its benefits they thought 'this should come to my company ' . '' Within this territory 's constricted work spaces , practicing yoga requires relatively little room and minimal equipment -- a large ball and a mat are enough . As the instructor plays calm music , everyone stretches , breathes deeply and closes their eyes . `` All the team is present at the lessons and it 's a great way to start our day , '' said Manuele Bosetti , general manager of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao . This organization has to deal with the day-to-day problems of its member companies and sometimes taking the time to listen can be a challenge , Bosetti told CNN . But performing yoga as a group has helped . `` We noticed that everyone at the office was more relaxed , and we managed to treat our business partners in a more kind way , '' Bosetti added . Suited and ready . The sight of practitioners in their work clothes surrounded by computers and other electronics may seem incongruous with relaxation and meditation , but Calvaruso believes yoga performed in his studio is similar to that done in corporate environments -- although people in the workplace may face unique problems . For example , students at a studio yoga class may practice over many years , while those in corporate settings may be unfamiliar with the discipline . `` In an office , maybe people do n't know anything about yoga , '' Calvaruso told CNN . `` They may feel discomfort , frozen shoulders ; we try to release all the tension from the shoulders to give them proper alignment . '' Desk ergonomics are another common focus for yoga classes in offices . And the result ? `` Employees perform better , produce more , and of course , the company has bigger profits , '' Calvaruso said . Nevertheless , it can be difficult to inspire managers to interrupt their team 's workday for a few minutes of relaxation . `` In Asia , ( employee wellness ) is still new , it 's growing , '' said Calvaruso , who believes the region lags behind Europe and the United States when it comes to measures that actively help employees find a balance between work and leisure . This instructor 's uphill battle goes against Asia 's economic dynamism . An insatiable hunger for ever-larger returns and continuous growth is the new culture of this region , and it seems to have replaced much centuries-old wisdom that teaches spiritual development through balance , meditation and harmony with nature .
Dario Calvaruso , 39 , teaches yoga classes in a different kind of studio -- the office . The two men have been friends for years and met at an event organized by their respective schools to promote healthy lifestyles among students. Corporate wellness is still a developing concept in Hong Kong . Managers do n't always see the link between staff well-being and company profits .