Time to prioritise mental health in the workplace
Workplace stress is leaving people depleted and unable to cope. In the run up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024, Kate Webb explains how mindfulness can help.
Are you stressed, distracted and on the point of burnout at work? Do you feel overwhelmed by the volume of information coming your way, and find it hard to switch off at the end of the day? You’re not alone; many people who join our mindfulness tasters are facing similar experiences. We know that senior managers and CEO’s are so concerned about this issue that many are putting wellbeing interventions at the heart of company policy.
Mindfulness practices can help us enhance focus, reduce stress, and improve our overall wellbeing. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can offer significant benefits to organisations when offered in the workplace.
1. Enhanced focus and productivity
Mindfulness can help employees stay present, which enhances their focus and attention to detail. In a workplace where multitasking is often the norm, mindfulness can help us concentrate on one task at a time, improving both the quality and efficiency of our work. By minimising distractions and promoting deeper concentration, mindfulness can help employees manage time more effectively, be less reactive and make better decisions. If mindfulness is embraced as part of the organisational culture it can ultimately lead to higher productivity.
2. Reduced stress and burnout
Workplace stress is a leading cause of employee burnout, resulting in absenteeism, decreased performance, and high turnover rates. Recent research by Deloitte UK (https://bit.ly/3XCCSu7)showed that 63% of respondents were experiencing burnout and that 46% of parents are worried about their children’s mental health. Mindfulness serves as a tool to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and emotional regulation. Techniques such as mindful breathing, progressive relaxation, and other formal meditations activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol. This creates a more relaxed mental state, allowing employees to handle pressure with greater resilience and calm. Over time, mindfulness can help reduce the risk of burnout and improve job satisfaction.
3. Improved emotional intelligence
Mindfulness fosters emotional intelligence, a key attribute in building healthy workplace relationships. By becoming more self-aware and empathetic, employees are better equipped to manage their emotions and interact with others in a positive manner. Mindfulness encourages individuals to pause before reacting, promoting thoughtful and constructive communication. can lead to better relationships and conflict resolution, contributing to a more harmonious work culture.
4. Boosted creativity and innovation
By promoting a clear and open mind, mindfulness encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. When employees are less bogged down by stress and distractions, they can approach challenges with fresh perspectives. This openness can spark innovation and new ideas that drive business growth.
5. Better physical health
Chronic stress in the workplace often manifests in physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and poor sleep. Mindfulness practices reduce stress and improve sleep patterns, which can lead to better overall health. Healthier employees tend to have higher energy levels, fewer sick days, and a more positive attitude towards their work.
Incorporating mindfulness into the workplace can transform wellbeing, leading to a more engaged and resilient workforce where employees can achieve better work life balance. For more information about how Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s bespoke mindfulness programmes can help your organisation please contact Kate Webb, at kate.webb@spft.nhs.uk.