Mindfulness in the Workplace
When overwhelm inhibits performance
I wonder what comes to mind when you consider Mindfulness practice at work…?
Is it sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat trying to focus on your breath, but silently battling with that constant challenge of what you’re going to have for dinner or worse, the flush of anxiety that comes with the thought of the impending sales deadline?
Do you feel that perhaps mindfulness has no place in the business world and would only be yet another distraction from the task in hand. Would it surprise you to know that actually what distracts us more than anything are worries about what has happened or is about to happen, which leaves us with little headspace to focus on – the task in hand.
What if I told you that Google uses mindfulness as a strategy to improve productivity and reduce stress in the workplace. One of Google's most successful mindfulness initiatives is the "Search Inside Yourself" course, which was originally developed as leadership training but due to its success is now available company wide.
In 2022/23 stress, anxiety, and depression accounted for 49% of work-related ill-health, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost (HSE). It is estimated that mental ill-health costs businesses £56bn annually (Deloitte UK).
Mindfulness training is a strategic investment for companies seeking to improve employee well-being and enhance bottom-line results. By equipping employees with mindfulness techniques, companies can:
Reduce Costs: Lower absenteeism rates associated with stress-related conditions.
Boost Productivity: Enhance employee focus, memory, and learning skills, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Improve Employee Retention: Foster greater job satisfaction and employee engagement, ultimately reducing turnover rates.
Strengthen Resilience: Equip employees with the skills to recover more effectively from negative mental states, improving overall well-being.
Enhance Relationships: Cultivate stronger employer-employee relationships and improve interactions with clients.
“It’s about training our minds to be more focused, to see with clarity, to have spaciousness for creativity and to feel connected”
I have various options for businesses, from an introduction to mindfulness session which can be just a couple of hours, to a full 8-week course which is generally one 1.5hr session per week, or a more bespoke tailored workshop specific to your needs.