We are at the early stages of the potential for the application of mindfulness in the workplace.
Here are some of the critical pain points that all organizations across industry and business size face, which I believe workplace mindfulness programs will help address:
1. Bad Leadership
The effects of bad leadership on an organization are devastating. The #1 reason people leave their jobs is because of a bad boss. It’s also one of the best indicators for an organization’s success or failure. Leaders are responsible for the organization’s culture—and set an example of how everyone else should show up.
2. Burnout, Stress, & Anxiety
You don’t have to look too far to find another survey or report documenting current record levels of burnout, stress, and anxiety. With the massive disruption, volatility, and change happening in our work and personal lives, it will become a core organizational competency to address mental well-being and to address the mounting levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout.
3. Loneliness & Lack of Meaningful Connection
There has been more and more talk about the workplace loneliness epidemic that former Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has helped highlight. We don’t have the same level of communal or spiritual institutions we once had—and more and more people are looking to fill this void with connections at their workplace. And there is a real benefit to organizations—as it’s been found that people who have a best friend at work are most likely to keep working for that organization (and connection drives employees’ engagement).
4. Poor Communication
Communication binds an organization and its people. It’s fundamental to how an organization exists in the world and interacts with those it serves. Understanding, expressing, and receiving/giving information with clarity and fidelity are critical for success. Conflict resolution, negotiating, listening, inspiring, and speaking are essential communication skills for a high functioning organization.
5. Lack of Focus & Stifled Creativity
These are two very different areas, however closely related. Focus is like a telescopic lens, zooming in on a distant object. Creativity is a wide-angle lens providing an expansive view, with possibilities and multiple perspectives. These are practically opposite mental modes; however, the most successful companies have a way of finding the right balance and mastering both.
We’ve seen many organizations using workplace mindfulness to address these pain points, most often in specific and targeted ways. What excites me the most is the possibility of a holistic organizational approach to workplace mindfulness where all these areas are addressed through integrated practices, values, and cultural norms.
You also need to be mindful as a leader yourself …
By creating time and space for you to think, to quieten your mind and focus, you can grow your business without distraction and hard work. I don’t mean you don’t need to work hard, I mean it doesn’t have to feel like hard work.
Here are 3 things you can do to help yourself:
– Create time for a ‘Creative Hour’ where you turn off all external distractions, gather your thoughts, settle into what you want to achieve for the day, and bring your full attention to the tasks at hand. Perhaps you don’t need an hour—do what works for you.
– Make time for regular breaks—get outside if you can; and go for a walk around the block. It can transform your mindset and bring inspiration, focus, and crucial insights.
– When we focus on listening fully to what the other person is saying we have to be present. Go into conversations with clients/potential clients/stakeholders with an open mind, trusting your intuition to guide you to say or do the best thing.
The benefits of all this on your business will be reduced stress, more time to think about your business, and making decisions from a place of wisdom and authenticity!
Are you ready to painlessly grow your productivity & retain top talent?
Let’s get started here: https://abovegrind.org
Aimee Reiss is a Colorado native, passionate about guiding leaders, challenging the status quo, empowering human potential, and inspiring well being through authenticity and intentional action. Her path has led her to an understanding and appreciation for the human condition. She is an advocate for holistic health, mindfulness, sustainable business and environment, mentorship, and Impact Investing.
Aimee is also a mother of two daughters, 9 and 11, who inspire her daily. While not immersed in motherhood, Aimee can be found spending time with the rest of the family, in her garden, and adventures in backcountry skiing, hiking, and paddle boarding.
