In an age whereby we’re constantly bombarded by communications, social media, new technology and so on, it means we’re constantly connected and forever distracted. As a result, it can prove difficult to be entirely present, especially in the workplace. Mindfulness means being more productive and more attentive to the situation at hand. And so, if you want to decrease the stresses and strains of modern life, it’s vital that you practice the art of mindfulness in the workplace and the following blog aims to uncover the benefits of mindfulness as well as giving some hints and tips on how you can make for a happier and healthier workforce…and it’s certainly not rocket science.
THE BENEFITS
It’s important to be aware of your own actions as well as the actions of others. In a similar vein, it’s important to operate in the present. The benefits are far and wide and includes:
- A reduction in stress and anxiety
- A reduction in conflict with co-workers
- Improved communication
- Improved creativity
- Increased motivation
- Increased productivity
- An increased work/life balance
- Increase in concentration
- Strengthening emotional intelligence
- Increased resilience
- An increase in focus and attention
EDUCATE
Do your employees fully understand the meaning of mindfulness? It is likely that the subject is uninformed and they may not understand how it can be practiced and reached. So make sure you educate to demystify the subject – Make it part of your company culture so that it’s understood and put into practice throughout the entire organisation.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Practice what you preach – if you’re asking for a behavior type from your employees, it’s important to ensure you’re leading by example. If your employees see you behaving in a certain manner, it’s highly likely they will mirror your behavior and follow. Be what you’re asking others to become.
TAKE A BREAK
The working day and the working week is long – In fact, we can spend more time with peers and employees than we do our own families! And so, it’s important to make sure that again, you’re leading by example and taking a break. And here we mean lunch breaks and annual leave. If your employees see you working through lunch, arriving early and staying on into the depths of the night, they may feel compelled to do the same. In fact, one study demonstrated that 38% of employees don’t feel encouraged to take a lunch break. Never take for granted the effect of not taking these breaks on your employees. Taking a lunch break has been shown to increase productivity by up to 90% and so make sure your staff feel empowered to do so.
CUT MICROMANAGEMENT
If you’re looking for more ‘mindfulness’ from your employees, start by giving them the time and space to be mindful. Stress and anxiety are a huge block to operating in this way and so micromanaging your staff is a no-no. Hovering over someone and checking up on them constantly will have a big impact on morale. People need space to flourish and even make mistakes so as to grow as both a person and an employee. What they need is the time and space to be creative and innovative – make sure you don’t prohibit free thinking.
MINDFULNESS SHOULD BE VOLUNTARY
It’s no good forcing your employees into a way of working which just doesn’t suit them. Of course this would be totally counter-intuitive, which goes against the true essence of mindfulness. For it to be a success company-wide, you have to give your employees the choice to opt out. Instead, it should be viewed as one of the many tools in your leadership toolkit and company culture.
INTRODUCE A QUIET SPACE
Mindfulness is all about stepping away and embracing peace and quiet to allow the mind to focus. Busy sales floors and loud open-plan office spaces won’t give your employees the space to organise their minds – Distractions just don’t allow for this. Some organisations find it helpful to have a separate space for employees to visit when they need. So, make sure this space is quiet and comfortable – Think about the general lighting and colours within the room as well as the overall ambiance.
The concept of mindfulness is by no means new. However, it’s now extremely well-documented and so the benefits should be taken seriously. It’s here to stay and has so many advantages. After all, any initiative which promotes positivity, focus and concentration is worth exploring. If you would like to know more about how to roll-out a wellness program, or if you would like support in driving this initiative forward, then why not contact us now on: 01453 297557 or email enquiries@peepshr.co.uk.
