Mindfulness as a Potential Tool for Productivity

Abstract

No day passes without seeing mindfulness mentioned in popular blogs as the solution for productivity. Many large companies offer mindfulness classes. Why would mindfulness be useful for productivity? Before discussing that question, it is important to first define mindfulness. Traditionally it has been defined by the originator of the mindfulness movement Jon Kabat-Zinn as “paying attention in a particular way, in the present moment, non-judgmentally”. Mindfulness is widely used in hospitals to reduce stress and support healing. It has also been touted as a solution for employees to allow them to maintain well-being in a very stressful environment. The idea is that you learn to relax by bringing your attention to your breath, and not taking your thoughts so seriously. Some preliminary evidence for mindfulness’ effect on stress reduction showed that employees of a biotech firm, when given a mindfulness intervention, felt less stressed and showed an improved immune response.