Mindfulness: A Secret Weapon for Companies?

Explained in one word, mindfulness means "consciousness". Put simply, it is about being present and aware of what's happening inside and outside. Mindfulness allows us greater freedom of choice in what we do.

Conscious perception sounds good but how does it fit into the professional context? Very simply: The focus is on the individual.

But mindfulness is also very relevant for employees and managers who say stress isn’t a problem for them by increasing the ability to concentrate and feel empathy. It also improves memory and creative problem-solving skills.

If employees are better able to deal with challenges at work in a more relaxed manner, they approach tasks with higher motivation and show greater commitment. This in turn contributes to employee loyalty and employer branding.

Greater concentration, creative problem-solving skills, etc., increase the ability to solve complex problems.

• Mindfulness contributes directly to employee productivity, because according to the study “Stress Management and Mindfulness in the Workplace”, 82% of respondents say that mindfulness techniques make them more productive at work.

• Mindfulness is not a self-runner, but needs attention starting with management and ending with one person who incorporates mindfulness into the company culture.

• Mindfulness should not be a one-time project, but should ultimately be part of the cultural DNA of the company.

Some or even most employees have likely had limited exposure to mindfulness and may be hesitant to participate in mindfulness workshops. When introducing the topic, it will help to explain that this is a scientifically sound method used by top athletes and other professionals to improve performance.

Being very clear that mindfulness is about training the mind to experience the world more positively – and therefore has a huge impact on performance – will help get people on board to support the program.

Being mindful can’t be forced. The desire to be more mindful has to come from employees themselves.

Claudia’s tip: Incorporate mindfulness into leadership training and development discussions. Usually the interest in mindfulness comes naturally.

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Even if most people think, “I don’t have time for this,” meditation is incredibly effective at promoting mindfulness. The trick is to start with a small hurdle and increase gradually.

Start with one minute per day and then slowly increase to three, five, etc. minutes. For example, breathe in and out six times and you have already meditated for your first minute.

By the way: Apps can also help with meditation, e.g. Calm.

To make meditation a habit, it helps to start with mindfulness for everyday things.

Take a thing that you do anyway and do it consciously. This could be your walk to get coffee or your morning shower. Be aware of yourself and your environment in a non-judgmental way.

We tend to focus on things that are difficult and unpleasant and ignore the more positive aspects. Put your focus back on things you are grateful for.

Martin Seligman, a renowned U.S. psychologist, presents an exercise for this: In the evening, write down the three most beautiful things that happened during the day. You literally visualize the positive and see your world and yourself with different eyes.

Breaking habits has never been easy for anyone. That’s why Claudia Braun’s last tip is: Do it! Try it out and see what mindfulness does for you.