Looking to start an in-office yoga class, or virtual mediation class for your employees? This is what Zest does, all day every day, for companies across the US. We have learned quite a bit about how to procure quality instructor talent.

This blog post outlines our process at Zest. It’s a detailed, transparent account of how we find the world’s best yoga, fitness, and meditation instructors. Read it to better understand what we do behind the scenes, or to find talent yourself!

(1) Confirm Educational Requirements, Professional Trainings, and Certifications

Zest only hires qualified instructors who have demonstrated excellence in their craft, continued interest in learning, and ongoing development of their skills.

They must be able to present a copy of their certificate of completion of a recognized training program, that confirms they meet the educational and teaching hours requirements. This includes contact information of the school, so we can confirm their completion of the program.

This means that each instructor that teaches on behalf of Zest has met a minimum threshold of educational requirements (depending on the class) and hours of instruction leading a group class.

(2) Validate Experience Leading Group Classes in a Corporate Setting

We give preferential treatment for those that have previous experience teaching in corporate environments. Why?

The truth is, those that attend an 'office yoga' or join a ‘corporate meditation class’ are often looking for something different than they would at an Ashram, retreat, gym, or studio. We carefully select instructors to work with that are excellent at what they do, without being too "woo." This is the word that our clients often use… “we don’t want someone too ‘woo’.” What they mean is that we should not assume most participants understand sanskrit, or have previous meditation experience. We believe that being clear, anatomical, and science-based as much as possible is the best way to make these practices most accessible to people of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds.

It’s critical that our instructors are aware that our class participants have mixed levels of comfort sharing vulnerability in front of co-workers. We ensure each instructor understands that the inter-office dynamics are there, and that each team may ‘show up’ differently to these classes. When you are down-dogging with your boss on your right, and your employee on your left with a meeting starting at the top of the hour… the instructor needs to hold an appropriate container for that reality.

Often, our classes are very mixed-level, so it’s important that our instructors are well-trained in teaching to a wide range of skill levels, and attuned enough to adjust classes accordingly. They ask the right questions of participants to determine what people want more of, or less of.

(3) Vet Online Presence

With the growing popularity of online classes, it is important that Zest instructors have experience teaching live-streaming and/or filmed classes. We look for a strong online presence from the instructors we work with, specifically social media accounts, websites, and availability of recorded content to view.

The purpose of this is to ensure the instructor is very comfortable showing up in a virtual space and has the gravitas required to take lead and instruct effectively. Most of Zest classes are run live-streaming post-COVID, so this is more important than it was prior to 2020.

(4) Seek Client Reviews

Zest makes every effort to hire experienced instructors who are known for their work and have rendered exceptional reviews or come to us by way of strong recommendation. When you have run as many classes as we have, we have learned what to look for in a referral and how to make it clear what it is our classes are, and are not.

(5) Connect With Instructor

Many instructors come to Zest, hoping to lead classes for our groups, teams, and organizations. Sometimes when we have someone specific in mind, we reach out to instructors to ask them to apply.
Our outreach process at Zest is intentional and specific. After the criteria above are met, the following outreach communications are made:

General Interest
- Zest emails the potential instructor to ask if they would be interested in learning more about Zest and if they might have availability to expand their teaching schedule. At this point, we let them know we observed/participated in one of their classes OR, if all other criteria are met, we would like to take their class.
Context
- Upon confirmation that a potential instructor is interested in learning more about Zest, we share a brief history of our team, the type of clients we serve, the benefits of teaching through Zest, etc.
Values Alignment & Instructor Expectations
- Zest shares our comprehensive list of Instructor Expectations and our Core Values of integrity, effectiveness, and growth.
- Zest will also connect with the client to ensure we know their core values and what type of person they believe would thrive in leading their group.
Invitation to Apply
- If the instructor is in alignment with these expectations and values, they are invited to fill out our instructor application form online.

(6) Video Interview

Upon receipt of the completed instructor application, if they meet our requirements an interview is scheduled with the instructor and a member of Zest staff. The interview is designed to get to know the applicant on a more personal level and learn more about them, their history in the wellness industry, and how their personal values are integrated into the work that they do.

Some of the questions asked are purposefully challenging and vulnerable to answer, because they provide us with great insight into the instructor’s communication style, personal responsibility, and overall professionalism. Some examples of these questions are:

Was there ever a time when you had a difference of opinion or conflict with a previous employer/studio? What were the steps taken to resolve the conflict?
What are the steps you take to recognize your blindspots as an instructor? How do you know where you need to improve?
Do you have any requirements for the studios or classes you teach? Or things you don’t want to compromise on?
Where do you hope to see your career grow, 5 years from now?

(7) Audition

A critical step in Zest’s instructor recruitment process is to take their class, either in person or online. There’s just no better way to see how someone teaches, than to have them teach you. This integrated observation process is performed by one or more Zest employees that have extensive experience in the wellness industry and in group fitness instruction themselves. We do not trust other people to do this step, as we are so very clear about what we are looking for, and so vigilant in keeping our quality bar high.

If we are quickly ramping up classes in a certain geographic area for in-person classes, we run auditions. This is to ensure we can see a wide variety of talent and thoroughly vet them.

After the audition, the instructor is rated by Zest staff on a number of factors and must render an average score of 4 out of 5 to be considered as a potential instructor for Zest. Here’s what we look for in our ratings:

(A) Professionalism

This is a big category that consists of a number of parts:

Punctual

Do they respect the time parameters? Starting and ending class on time is critical in a corporate environment, and they must demonstrate they can keep time in their audition.

Attire

Their clothing should appropriately fit their body. We do not want to limit the instructor’s desire for self-expression through their clothing and we cannot tell them what to wear. That said, our #1 requirement is to support class participants in getting the most out of these classes. And if the instructor’s attire is a distraction to or otherwise takes away from the class experience, that is something we consider. For anatomical alignment cues, it can be helpful for the instructor to be wearing clothes that are not too baggy, so participants can see proper alignment on the screen. Large graphics or logos are typically a distraction.

Container-Setting

Do they properly introduce themselves, the class style, and what to expect as a participant? Do they bookend the class professionally?

Handling the Unexpected

Do they exhibit professional assertiveness when unexpected things happen in class? For example, if there are student questions, environmental disruptions (like a fire alarm going off), or technical difficulties with Zoom?

Professional Language

We expect limited, if any, vulgarity in language and music choices. We look for instructors that balance anecdotal shares with class-specific instruction. Are they oversharing and/or distracting from the class purpose?

Managing Administrative Tasks

Are they able to take attendance, make schedule announcements, send the post-class feedback survey, etc?

(B) Communication - In Class and Out-of-Class

Proactive

Can I depend on them to respond to emails? Promptly? This is important with scheduling.

Incorporate Requests

For example, if a student requests low back stretches, did they incorporate this into their class sequence?

“Teach to the Room”

Are they looking around and offering instruction based on students’ needs, or are they following a script? When a cue didn’t land quite right, were they able to pivot and offer another way of saying the same thing?

Purposeful Speech

There’s a fine balance in how much an instructor should speak in class. Are they saying what’s helpful? Are they over-instructing or under-instructing postures? Avoiding filler words like “umm”? Allowing room for silence?

Explaining/Translating Terminology

If they are using Sanskrit in a yoga class, are they translating what the words mean to ensure the participants have the correct context? If they are making anatomical references, are they explaining where it is on the body and what its function is, as it relates to movement?

Encouraging Language

Do they offer supportive critiques that bolster (rather than hinder) confidence?

(C) Presence, Personality, & Social Skills

The instructor’s ‘soft skills’ set the tone for the class. We look for the following characteristics.

Remembering Names

This is especially important for regulars and building a sense of community.

Poise

Are they moving around the room to connect with students or staying in one place focusing on their own experience? If virtual - are they coming closer to the screen when showing nuanced movement?

Welcoming Demeanor

Do they give a personal greeting/introduction for new students when possible? Do they ask thoughtful questions? Do they normalize being new to the class with explanation of what to expect, needed props, etc?

Appropriate Use of Humor & Personal Anecdotes

We want instructors that are real and in-line with the mission of serving/supporting employees in their wellbeing. Showing their humanness for the purpose of helping students feel more comfortable is appropriate and connecting. Talking about themselves excessively is not.

Vocal Exertion & Volume

Are they speaking with an appropriate volume and tone? Are they able to adjust volume and tone as needed throughout the class?

Approachability

Are they available before/after class? Do they encourage questions and feedback?

(D) Preparation

Organization

Are they organized at the start of class with awareness of who is there and what’s needed for a class introduction

Managing Administrative Tasks While Maintaining Connection

Are they able to take attendance, make schedule announcements, send the post-class feedback survey, etc?

Energetic Preparedness

Do they seem energetically prepared to teach the class? Are they bringing their outside personal stress/emotion into the class experience?

Class Planning

Does it seem like they planned, at least generally, what they wanted to teach the class today? If not, was it still cohesive or did it result in a disconcerted class experience for students?

(E) Physical Space & Virtual Considerations

Organization & Cleanliness

Is their teaching space free of unnecessary clutter and/or distracting items? Does the room appear to be clean?

Sound & Ambiance

Note their music choice, volume, lighting level. Is it distracting or supportive?
Is it easy to hear the instructor over their microphone/computer? Can students see them clearly? Are they backlit from a window or a light that is behind them?

(F) Sequencing

Sequencing Skill

Are they exhibiting a clear understanding of sequencing that supports healthy movement? Are they able to follow through with the sequencing style they chose for the day, or are they jumping between styles?

Appropriate Time Allocation

Are they able to allocate an appropriate amount of time spent in each section and posture of the class in order to leave students feeling good at the end?

Nervous System Awareness

Are they exhibiting an understanding of nervous system states and responses as it relates to the students in the room as well as the movements they’re instructing? Are they spending adequate time warming up and cooling down? Are they incorporating breathing instruction?

Purpose/Theme/Intention

What is the purpose/goal of the class? Is their sequencing supportive of that goal?

Balance of Movement

Even with a clear class theme in mind, are they offering counter movements and neutralizing poses between the more focused instructions?

Modifications

This one is critical for mixed-levels classes. Are they offering modifications for various ranges of motion present in different bodies? Are they offering alternative postures/options that accomplish the same or a similar goal for those who cannot do what’s being instructed? Are they normalizing the use of modifications and props and encouraging people to do what is best for their body today (not based on years of experience).

(G) Usefulness of Content + Educational

Anatomical Insight

Does the instructor describe the name and function of the muscle groups? And note how types of movement activate these? Do they provide reasons for common ailments (low back pain) and solutions to help ease discomfort etc? What are students learning about their unique body from this class?

Philosophical Context

Is there a lesson or theme for students to take away from this class experience?

Tools for Continued Learning

Is the instructor offering tools of practice that can be incorporated into students’ lives outside of the classroom? Giving acknowledgement to where they trained and the lineage that the practice came from?

(8) Offer

The application and interview are the final steps of the instructor vetting process. Once those items are complete, Zest will send an Independent Contractor Agreement to the instructor by email for digital signature. The offer includes compensation details and class details.

If no regular class(es) are available at the time of contract offer, the instructor is put on Zest’s sub list and given frequent substitute teaching opportunities until a regular (weekly/monthly) class becomes available.

If a specific class, day, and time are offered to the instructor, it is usually a 3 month contract. That is to ensure the specific class and client are a good fit for the instructor (and vice versa). Also, some of our clients opt to change instructors every quarter, to cycle in new perspectives and backgrounds.

In the rare case that the instructor and group is not a great fit, the instructor may be offered a different class with a different group, or be put on our list of substitutes until another suitable class becomes available.

In the exceptionally rare case that the instructor simply does not meet our standards, the contract is terminated and a new instructor steps into the class.

(9) Onboarding

Once the instructor accepts Zest’s contract offer, they are ready to be officially onboarded as an independent contractor. This involves a number of administrative tasks and (virtual) paperwork for the instructor, such as:

Independent Contractor Agreement

This includes legal details for independent contractors, official start date, contract parameters, and agreed-upon compensation.

Tax Form(s) such as a W9
Proof of Certifications

These may include CPR (required for on-site instructors), Personal Training accreditation, and/or Yoga/Meditation teaching certifications.

Proof of Liability Insurance

Zest LLC is added as an additional insured on their policy.

Instructor Biography

So we can adjust as needed and include in class promotion. Should include links to websites and social accounts, and professional photos.

Additionally, Zest provides the instructor with a comprehensive overview of their class details in the onboarding communication. This includes:

Name and working description of class

We remain open to instructor input on this in order to provide a cohesive experience for instructor, client, and class participants.

Day and Time
- Any holidays, planned closures, etc.
Login information (if class it to be virtual) or property access information (if class is to be held onsite).
Group Details
- Information about the group they will be teaching (like how many employees they have, where they are located, and level of experience)
Calendar Invites
- Sent for all classes the instructor is scheduled to teach, to ensure the instructor gets reminders and doesn’t miss the class. These are kept up-to-date and edited if there is ever a substitute instructor or class cancellation.

(10) Ongoing Instructor Support

Zest takes great care in providing ongoing support to our instructors, and great pride in maintaining a space of open communication & professionalism. Here are a few ways we exemplify this in our process:

Upon hire, Zest instructors are provided an Instructor Resource Guide which covers a comprehensive overview of how to prepare for their class(es), our registration system and attendance taking procedures, instructions and tips to optimize virtual classes, emergency procedures, and how to get paid for their work (invoicing).
Zest’s program manager takes responsibility for finding substitutes when our regular instructors are unable to teach their classes, whether last minute or for a planned absence. This supports our instructors in prioritizing their health, achieving work/life balance, and focusing on what’s important in emergency situations.
Zest provides all instructors with clear points of contact information (who/how to contact) and when
Zest sends monthly instructor emails to build and maintain rapport with instructors. These emails include updates on Zest, resources to support class themes, and an open invitation to reach out with questions or to share concerns.
Periodic personal check-ins on instructors are made by Zest. This may include: reminders of new classes and confirmation that the instructor has what they need, follow-up on personal information shared or a request for instructor feedback. We love to ask “How can Zest better support you in making this class extra-exceptional for participants?”

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This is our process for finding, vetting, interviewing, auditioning, and onboarding new yoga, meditation, and group fitness instructors.
If you’re hoping to build out wellness programming on your own, we hope you find this helpful!
If you’re wanting to run weekly yoga or meditation classes for your team, but don’t want to take on the additional workload of all that is described above… get in touch.

How We Find the Best Instructors for your Corporate Meditation Groups and Office Yoga Classes