Lately, it seems as though more and more companies are focused on the well-being of their employees. Whether it’s offering more vacation time, flexible schedules, or office perks like a chair massage at work, or being able to bring your pet to work, management has been seeking ways to give their employees a better quality of life.
This not only makes employees happier and increases the chances of them staying with the company, but it also increases their productivity and output during the workday. One recent trend is bringing employee mindfulness into the workplace.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It stems from an ancient Buddhist tradition that promotes being self-aware of your thoughts and feelings but not reacting to them. It is a healthier mental lifestyle, promoting stress-free living.
When someone practices mindfulness, they more open to the world around them. They do not judge or label specific events that occur in their everyday life, which reduces the likelihood of reacting to them. In some ways, it’s as though all of your senses have suddenly become extremely Aware/present.
When people practice mindfulness, they have a higher consciousness in the present. They notice sights, smells, and sounds that they had not been able to recognize before. They pay attention to the more beautiful details of life. They pay attention to how soft their skin is, or how heavy their footsteps are.
The Benefits Of Mindfulness In The Workplace
Mindfulness helps an employee recognize patterns of toxic emotions, both in themselves and in others. The ability to identify these emotions before they grow into more significant issues can benefit everyone in the office.
When employees practice mindfulness, they
improve office morale. There have been studies that have shown that when management instills a culture of mindfulness in the workplace, employees improve their abilities to manage stress and their ability to focus.Specifically, mindfulness has been shown to boost an employee’s efficiency, stability, and control. Those who are mindful prevent their mind from wandering, because they are focused on the tasks at hand in the present. Studies have shown that when employees practice mindfulness, they can concentrate on both listening and visual functions for more extended periods of time.
Additionally, the study showed that mindfulness could improve how employees interact with each other and work together on projects. Even though mindfulness involves self-reflection and a better understanding of one’s self, it has been shown to invoke feelings of compassion and empathy, having a positive impact on interpersonal behavior.
Some of the most prominent corporations in America have instilled cultures of employee mindfulness, including
- The Mayo Clinic
- Aetna
- The United States Marine Corps
How To Bring Mindfulness To The Workplace
A great way to bring mindfulness to the workplace is by offering employees massages in the office. Mobile massage companies bring their tables and chairs to your office and give the employees a rejuvenating and mindful experience in just 20 minutes. Even if an employee only spends 20 minutes getting a massage, the results can be astounding. Studies have shown that routine massages can
- Decrease Stress Levels
- Decrease Anxiety and Depression Levels
- Improve Concentration and Focus
- Increase Productivity
- Improve Blood Circulation
- Reduce Symptoms of Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Employers can also bring mindfulness to the workplace by having five-minute breaks throughout the day, where the office stops and does nothing. There is no conversation. People stop checking social media or text messages. Instead, everyone pauses, reflects, and gets in touch with their inner-self.
Give Altos Mobile Massage a call today to gain some peace of mind.
