When it comes to owning a business, great employees are the first step on the road to success. They often have first contact with the client, and their job performance, or even corporate security, can have a significant impact. And when the environment in the workplace is not the best, you can’t expect your business to succeed.

Even if everything seems great, problems are to be expected. You never know when a great professional may want to leave your company, or even when you may need to settle a labor dispute or even have to hire strike security – of course, these are extreme examples, but they do happen, especially if you’re in the mine, auto or medical industry. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your employees are motivated and inspired – and feel happy with their work. One of those things is mindfulness.

Stress, or a feeling of overwhelming demotivation – these are some of the main factors why your staff’s work performance may get worse. Mindfulness can help with that – and significantly improve the overall job satisfaction, work environment, and performance. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about mindfulness for employees, incorporating mindfulness at work, and what role it can play in your business.

What Is Mindfulness in the Workplace

To put simply, mindfulness in the workplace is when you are aware of your feelings and emotions but not let them take control over you. You’re dealing with stress, managing your emotions, and not reacting quickly. Mindfulness means paying attention to the moment, accepting it. It uses the same techniques as meditating, and mindfulness meditation has been getting more popular recently.

It has a significant impact on how you and your employees feel. Mindfulness can be especially beneficial in a stressful environment when everyone has to act fast, and quick emotional responses are inevitable. And nowadays, when remote work is taking over our lives, mindfulness can help us stay focused, grounded, and sane.

Benefits of Mindfulness at Work

Mindfulness is excellent for managing work stress, and, thanks to that, it has many benefits, both mental and physical: improved memory, reduced depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure. It boosts productivity and creativity, supports wellbeing, and helps find motivation – and thus, has a positive impact on work performance. People also can take fewer sick leaves because they feel better!

It’s also great for the workplace environment: as employees become less stressed, their relationships can improve – and they’re more likely to help each other find solutions to complex problems. Mindfulness can also improve your employees’ relationships with clients, as your staff becomes calmer and more engaged in the work process.

How To Implement Mindfulness in the Workplace

When you’ve decided to implement mindfulness in the workplace, there are two ways to do it. First, you can introduce mindfulness on your own. Of course, with this method, you’ll have to give much of your time and energy – but if you own a small company, it can be the most cost-efficient way. And you’ll become an expert yourself!

Mindfulness Techniques at Work

The best way to learn more about mindfulness techniques is to read articles and watch videos – educate yourself, and then the others. Here are some of the most important workplace mindfulness tips:

• Any mindfulness exercise you do should be based on attention to the present. Get your brain to focus on what’s now and here.
• Build the practice into the plan. If you’re thinking about meditation, make sure to give your employees time and resources for it during the workday. Consider incorporating the mindfulness exercises during the lunch break – but remember that your employees need to socialize, too.
• Breathing is essential. Make sure to learn the basic breathing techniques and educate your employees on them.
• Pay attention to your environment. Remind your employees to focus on their sensory experiences – touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste.

Mindfulness Training for Managers

The second way is easier for you but less cost-effective: sign your managers up for appropriate training. There are many Mindfulness for Managers courses out there nowadays – you just need to find one in your area. If you can’t, look for webinars, digital programs, or even books – just make sure it’s not stressful for your manager, and they’re able to understand everything. This works especially well when you have many teams.

When your manager or team leader is an expert in mindfulness, it’s high time to introduce it to the staff and improve their work satisfaction and performance.

Work Should Be an Inspiration, Not a Torture

Mindfulness can be an excellent tool for improving your employees’ work performance and motivation. Different techniques like breathing exercises or meditation can help reduce stress, focus on now and here, deal with emotions, and generally improve workplace relationships.

However, you need to remember that mindfulness is not your miracle medicine for staff – it’s a tool for dealing with work-related stress. Your employees will never become more productive if they’re not satisfied with the workplace communication, salaries, or difficulty of the tasks. Make sure that work for them is an inspiration, not torture – and your business will thrive.

(Beata Hardzei)