Mindfulness in the Workplace

Presenters: Sarah Grimsley, Kelsey Kozlowski, and Dr. Lori Soli This session will engage participants in mindfulness techniques to utilize in the workplace. Mindfulness is intentionally bringing awareness to what is occurring in the present moment (Black, 2011). In doing so, one can improve emotional regulation and attention, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being (Roeser & Eccles, 2015). The benefits of mindfulness are well-researched, and incorporating it into the workplace will offer an array of benefits to any company and its employees. There are many areas in the workplace in which employers and employees can participate in mindfulness. Mindful sitting, standing and meditating are just a few to list. One of the best aspects of mindfulness is its flexibility for incorporation into various work environments. Engaging in these mindfulness processes can be done in virtually any workplace setting. The practices can be useful for a wide variety of individuals, regardless of their personality, attitudes, physical ability, or status. One of the best outcomes of mindfulness in the workplace is that it can improve employee relationships and effectiveness. By improving efficiency, stability, and control, individuals can engage in more productive work days with improved relations with peers (Case Western Reserve University, 2016). Mindfulness offers a way for employees to gain compassion towards themselves, their peers, and their work. When employees feel valued and needed, the workplace turn around significantly decreases; work-based mindfulness practices offer companies a leg up to promote employee satisfaction and wellness. This session will engage participants actively in various mindfulness activities that can be done at work. The overarching session goal is to enable company leaders and employees a new skill set to create or promote a healthy work environment within their company. The session will engage participants with specific tools and actions that can be reproduced by any individual and offer effective strategy implementation. Within this presentation, there are specific techniques to learn, practice and eventually share with others in the field. A mindful workplace is a successful workplace.