1 November 2017

Mindfulness: a successful and more mindful corporate culture

The pace of work is sometimes so dizzying that people end up performing their tasks like automatons, without even having time to think. Stress, dissatisfaction or lack of focus are the consequence of this reality, which some companies are transforming thanks to the mindfulness.

In addition to the goal of mindfulness, the basis of effectiveness; to set aside multitasking and concentrate on a single issue“.“is the essence of engagement” (HBR). When the mindfulness is one of the priorities in the corporate culture, employees are more motivated, their performance increases and they feel more committed to the organisation's goals. For leaders, the atmosphere that the mindfulness creates results in better-informed and higher quality interactions and decisions.

Benefits of mindfulness for work

Mindfulness It is not just the promotion of a holistic health and well-being approach. Yoga, meditation, and relaxation are the foundation for great benefits, for individuals and organisations, who by applying these techniques manage to achieve a more conscious state.

Among the advantages of the mindfulness in the company include the following:

Improved mood, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure in employees. (Scientific American).
Reduction of costs related to absenteeism and health, legal expenses and insurance investment. (WorkplacePsychology).
Increase in the volume and density of the hippocampus, a portion of the brain crucial for memory. Scientific American demonstrates that meditation counteracts this decline, stating that “Meditating for just twelve to twenty minutes a day can sharpen the mind.«.
Muscle tone improvement, delayed onset of diseases, and effective stress reduction are some of the benefits of yoga.Mayo Clinic).
Longevity, thanks to reduced stress, which prevents rises in blood pressure.American Journal of Cardiology).
A reduction in anxiety, stress, depression, burnout and irritability is achieved with regular meditation sessions.FranticWorld).

Mindfulness culture is not limited to meditation and becoming aware of our thoughts and emotions; it helps to improve self-control and manage impulses more effectively. This benefits the team and the organisation, as this more conscious state is of great help during periods of stress or when conflicts arise.

One of the best ways to encourage employees to work and live mindfully is to provide them with opportunities to practise exercises such as meditation and yoga. While it must be remembered that The success of any corporate wellness programme will be inextricably linked to the support of company culture.

Which companies have a mindful corporate culture

If you want to evolve towards a corporate culture of mindfulness to achieve success and boost your employees' job satisfaction, you can take inspiration from the initiatives some companies are already undertaking., as set out in HBR:

Googleoffers its employees many advantages, among which are the following training courses mindfulness.
Intel: has been offering a programme for five years mindfulness to your team that is achieving very good results in reducing stress.
Aetna: in collaboration with two American universities, this company developed, launched, and studied two programmes of mindfulness aimed at helping to reduce stress and improve reactions to it.
Green Mountain Coffee: This company offers monthly mindfulness retreats to its employees, their families, and friends.

In addition to the courses and programmes mindfulness, you can take an example from the company Asana, which offers each employee a budget of $10,000 for Design the environment and workplace in such a way that it facilitates greater well-being. (Mashable).

Considering starting yoga classes at the office? Would you like to go further with mindfulness?