The workplace can be hectic, stressful, and fast-paced. In recent years, the word mindfulness has come more into the limelight. Companies from Google to Nike are all focusing on this term.

According to research, employees who practice mindfulness at work observed a 28% reduction in their stress levels, a 20% improvement in sleep quality, and a 19% reduction in pain. But what exactly is mindfulness in the workplace? Read on for further insight.

What Is Mindfulness In The Workplace?

Mindfulness is not a new concept. It simply means to be present there and then at the given moment. To be aware of what is happening around you and not let your conscious self be distracted by your past and present events. 

Benefits Of Mindfulness In The Workplace

Integrating mindfulness in the workplace gives a range of benefits to the employees and the businesses. These benefits include creativity enhancement, focus improvement, reduction in the anxiety and stress levels, and increased resilience and emotional intelligence. It also includes improvement in task commitment and enjoyment of work.

Ways to Integrate Mindfulness into Your Workplace

Integrating mindfulness into your workplace doesn't mean that you give a one-hour break to your employees. It means focusing your attention on one thing at a time. You can implement mindfulness in your workplace in several ways, some of which are given below.

Lead Others With Your Example

We all already know what we ask others, and need to be first implemented by ourselves. You cannot expect your employees to practice mindfulness if you, yourself, lack value clarity.

Thus, to implement mindfulness in your workplace, you need to become an example of it. Take the lead, be the leader. Show them how it is done, and within no time, you'll feel the change in your workplace environment.

Take & Give Breaks

Without taking and giving breaks, you cannot expect mindfulness to flourish at your workplace. You need to slow down and sometimes even stop to speed up.

Take a physical break, get up from the computer, take a walk, and breathe. Similarly, give this sort of break to your employees. As a responsible owner and manager, you need to encourage regular breaks and insist on proper lunch breaks.

This mindful way of working helps the refreshed mind and body to come up with new ideas and renewed commitment.

Avoid Consecutive Meetings

Most workplaces have back to back meetings where employees must rush from one meeting to the other. As a result, they are either late in the next meeting or, to avoid being late, the early check out of their prior meeting. This causes them to lose their focus in both the meetings.

Thus, to avoid such a crisis, allow five to ten minutes breaks after each meeting. This will help your employees relax.

Their minds will be fresher. They'll ponder the preceding meeting points and prepare for the next meeting in time, thus indirectly increasing their productivity concentration.

Look at Yourself From Others' Perspective

At work, when you are in doubt about something, never rush. Whenever you are in any situation, always first calm yourself down before making any email, call, or before calling any meeting. Make yourself clear about what you are thinking at the given moment.

Always look at your response from others' points of view. Take their perspective into consideration. Similarly, teach these basics to your subordinates at your workplace. This action alone can go a long way toward creating a mindful workplace.

Encourage Short Mindful Exercises at Work

Encouraging your staff to use short mindfulness exercises can help kickstart their day with the right mental attitude. It can help you and your teammates reenergize and face the day's upcoming challenges with a better mindset.

A great way for you is to start with a breathing exercise. It will only take 5-10 minutes of your day. Close your eyes, focus on your every breath, and enjoy the calmness and coolness that it brings with you. This small exercise will help your staff members to be more focused and well-balanced at their jobs.

Further, you can also introduce chair yoga.

Notice the Minute Details Around You

Instead of being present physically, but unconsciously, train your mind to be present and pay attention to the minute details happening around you.

For example, if you are going to a meeting, notice the plants around you. While washing hands, notice the temperature of the water. These few minutes throughout the day can make a difference in the long run.

Participate in Mindful Discussions

Instead of scrolling on social media, indulge in mindful discussions with your employees in your free time. Talk to your peers about mindfulness and how it can be integrated through a multitude of approaches. This will help your employees understand this concept and interpret the topic.

About the Author

Annie Megan is currently working as a Health & Psychology Specialist at Assignment Guarantee where students buy dissertation online help. She also blogs at ViewnFocus. 

Annie loves to help students online with essay writing services UK.