What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness may seem like a buzzword, however it is on the cusp of becoming a household name. It is a centuries-old idea that has been reinvented to address modern day mental health challenges.
So what is mindfulness really? It is a “mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic and meditation technique.”
Mindfulness enhances emotional intelligence and equips us with the ability to manage our emotions internally and externally. Mindfulness and its impact on stress is also linked to a number of physiological benefits including lower blood pressure, improved memory, and reduced depression and anxiety.
If one can be more mindful of how they are showing up in the world, it will create space to reflect and potentially show up differently if their current way is not serving them. Mindfulness has been taught in physical health-care settings, educational institutions, mental health-care settings, and it now has become increasingly necessary in the workplace setting.
Modern Day Wellness For Every Employee
Today’s employees approach job hunting with a predetermined list of expectations. After adapting to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 Pandemic, more people have become health conscious more than ever before, and now that companies are reverting back to in-office requirements,, they may start to sense resistance and anxiety from previously remote employees.
For business leaders needing to retain their employees and attract top talent, it is imperative that they offer wellness programs as part of their employment package. Employers offering mental health benefits for their organization are at an advantage compared to those who fail to provide these sought after services.
Employers have also recognized the importance of their employees’ mental health and the direct relationship to their at-work performance. Offering mental health and mindfulness services not only impacts an employees’ job performance but it shows existing and potential employees that the company truly cares about the individual.
Some of the most cutting-edge companies have placed higher priority on their people and have incorporated corporate wellness programs for their benefit. The movement began among startups in Silicon Valley and has now been implemented by long-established companies across the U.S. and Europe, of varying sizes.
Organizations are becoming more invested in the well-being of employees due to an increased awareness of mental health and the detrimental impacts associated with an unhealthy workforce. Absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover, and a lack of productivity are all very costly issues that are closely tied to employee stress and mental health. The number of sick days lost to serious mental health issues has doubled in the past decade and mental health is the leading cause of sickness-related absences.
Why Is Mindfulness Important In The Workplace?
With the increased number of companies that have implemented mindfulness into their wellness programs, we are starting to see the positive impact this change has made: decreased stress levels while improving focus, thoughtfulness, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being. The benefits of mindfulness are both clear and proven. Mindfulness programs help leaders and employees reflect effectively, focus sharply, manage stress, and recharge quickly.
