Simple ways to add mindfulness into your workplace

AdobeStock_1789827820.jpeg

Mindfulness. It’s being integrated into preschools, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, hospitals and health clinics. Major employers are also on board: Apple^®, Google^® and General Mills^®.

Workplace stress remains a significant challenge for employees and employers. In a country where 50% of U.S. employees reported experiencing workplace stress from the previous day, mindfulness has the potential to make a difference. Stress leads to decreased productivity, poor work quality, irritability, exhaustion and eventually, burnout. Stressed employees are more likely to not get enough sleep, suffer from anxiety and depression and contribute to absenteeism and presenteeism.

Research shows that mindfulness can be powerful. In one study, an employee’s level of mindfulness was found to be a crucial indicator of their turnover intentions and perceived stress levels.

“Basically, mindfulness is a state of active attention to the moment,” says Amy Gould, an employer health and well-being consultant at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “A mindful approach at home or work means responding, instead of reacting, to stress. It means giving yourself space to focus on one thing at a time. It’s about awareness, intention, wisdom and self-care.”

Mindfulness is often confused with meditation. Even though the two words are used interchangeably, they are different, says Gould. “Mindfulness is the ability to purposefully bring your attention to what you’re experiencing in the present moment. Meditation is the regular practice of training your brain. It’s a tool for reaching a state of mindfulness."

Why we need mindfulness in the workplace

“Most of us never learn how to effectively deal with the stress," says Gould. "Some of us have even been conditioned to believe that work-related stress is a constant. Others believe multi-tasking works, or that busy-ness equals productivity.” (It doesn’t, says Gould.)

“When employees are mindful, they can effectively respond to stress rather than reacting to it," she adds. “When employees can calm themselves at work, it’s good for everyone.”

According to Gould, “Mindful employees are less stressed, more focused and productive. They can prioritize and complete tasks more effectively. They are better able to negotiate and collaborate with colleagues. They are more effective at solving problems. Plus, leaders who are mindful show a greater ability to satisfy the psychological needs of their employees.”

A small but growing body of work suggests mindfulness at work can:

Improve productivity.

The human mind is estimated to wander for half of its waking hours. It's particularly difficult for the brain to refocus after an interruption. Individuals who have completed mindfulness training have shown to have improved focus and the ability to remain vigilant longer when completing tasks.

Boost employee morale.

Morale improves when employees are supportive of one another, accepting of each other's differences and are dedicated to achieving goals together. Mindfulness improves relationships and promotes empathy and compassion.

Reduce stress.

Mindfulness has the ability to reduce undue stress and make people more emotionally resilient. In fact, many studies show that practicing mindfulness improves well-being and function at work.

Reduce employee turnover.

Companies with mindfulness programs have reduced employee turnover. When employees are less stressed, they are simply less likely to leave.

Four simple tricks for creating calm in the workplace

Here are four basic mindfulness techniques your employees can practice for reduced stress:

Add mindfulness training to your wellness program

Improving your employees' ability to cope with work stress is the goal of nearly all wellness programs. Wellmark is here to help. Our team of employer health and well-being consultants can provide expertise in creating engaging solutions that meet the unique needs of your employee population.

Learn more, get connected and receive a complimentary consultation with one of our employer health and well-being experts. Our team can be your go-to source for finding the right combination of solutions — because one-size doesn’t fit all.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can support your organization and your employees' health and well-being next year and beyond, contact your authorized Wellmark account representative.