Is Mindfulness an Evidence-Based Practice in the Workplace?
Mindfulness has been practiced for centuries but continues to remain an incredibly effective practice for feeling grounded in the present moment. Mental illness, substance use concerns, and life stressors can make it particularly challenging for employees to focus in the workplace, making mindfulness a viable option for companies to endorse. Mindful.org defines mindfulness as,
“The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”
There have been a number of studies that have confirmed the many benefits of teaching employees and employers to utilize mindfulness on a daily basis. For example, a 2018 study published in the journal Strategic HR Review assessed results from group trainings and one-on-one sessions with individuals in a national vision insurance company. Researchers found that employees experienced the following from these mindfulness sessions:
- Increased energy
- Increased levels of concentration and decreased tendency for procrastination
- Employees who practiced mindfulness consistently afterwards found themselves to regularly surpass their goals while also being more present in the moment with their families at home
Employees aren’t the only ones to benefit from meditation and mindfulness; in 2015, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) emphasized the use of mindfulness meditation by CEOs as a way to boost leadership skills and achieve business goals. Business Insider notes a number of successful entrepreneurs who have used mindfulness, such as: 1) Ray Dalio (CEO of Bridgewater Associates), 2) Jeff Weiner (CEO of LinkedIn), 3) Bill Ford (Ford Motor Company), 4) Marc Benioff (Salesforce), and 5) Russell Simmons (Rush Communications). Both scientific research and personal testimonies have indicated the plethora of benefits that mindfulness provides, such as:
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased resilience
- A boost in emotional intelligence
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved focus
- Improved relationships
An article published in Science Magazine emphasized that our minds tender to “wander” almost 50% of the time – with stress, anxiety, deadline pressures and more piled on top of that, it’s no wonder that professionals find difficulty completing their work endeavors. If you haven’t already, begin your journey to recovery and wellbeing by contacting someone from a reputable, professional treatment center.
For more information on our treatment programs and services for professionals, call us today: 855-422-4129.
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