Mindfulness and Work-Related Well-Being

Abstract

The outlook for chronic disease may not be promising as chronic stress continues to rise, but Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are increasingly being utilized by both private and public employers at the workplace to address the effects of chronic stress. There are various forms of these workplace mindfulness programs including, telephonic delivery and internet delivery and those programs that include increased yoga with music added in the background. The benefits of mindfulness programs delivered at work are multifaceted. In the interests of the employer, mindfulness in the workplace could increase productivity, limit absenteeism, and decrease the cost of health insurance as employees' overall health increases. For employees, mindfulness at work can improve mental health, quality of life, and job satisfaction, as well as decrease stress, burnout, and inflammation in the body. Having mindfulness as an available tool for lifestyle behavior change could be crucial in circumventing specific types of burnout, such as the frenetic profile of burnout that may lead to addiction, as well as, providing individuals with an alternative to substances to cope with the stressors of work and daily life. However, to incorporate mindfulness interventions and workplace wellness, employees and employers need to work together to reap the benefits. Researchers believe that to really effect change, the entire way the workforce looks at health must change, that "what is needed is a transformational system if organizations desire to create a healthy workplace and workforce". Worksite mindfulness programming to increase well-being is a prudent delivery location and use of resources, both human and financial, for employer and employee alike as we introduce ways to remain resilient, encouraging both individual and organizational well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)