​Mindfulness in the Workplace

Although seemingly counter-intuitive to the corporate culture of speed and multi-tasking, encouraging employees to slow down, be aware, and focus on the present is what strengthens executive functioning skills and makes mindfulness valuable in the work place. *Studies by the National Institute of Health UK, the University of Massachusetts, and the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard University suggest that mindfulness at work is good for business. The studies found that practicing mindfulness at work:

• Reduces employee absenteeism and turnover
• Improves cognitive function and flexibility skills like concentration, memory, learning ability, creativity and problem solving requiring insight
• Increases employee productivity
• Enhances employer/employee and client relationships through better self-regulatory abilities
• Improves job satisfaction and happiness (Mindful Brain staff, n.d.)

According to Manfred Kets De Vries, Founder and Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change of the INSEAD Global Leadership Centre, people who practice mindfulness report having improved innovative thinking, better communication skills, and more appropriate reactions to stress. They also say that they are better able to handle conflict at work and experience improved teamwork and team relations (Mindfulnet.org staff, n.d.). 

Businesses and organizations who would like mindfulness training may request it in a variety of different formats. Here are just two training solutions:
1.  “Lunch and Learns” – These one-hour sessions conducted at lunch-time would be a combination of mindfulness instruction and actual mindfulness practice. Possible instructional topics include:

• The Neuroscience Behind Mindfulness
• Mindfulness and the Stress Response
• Is Stress Always Bad for You?
• Present-Centered Awareness Practices Integrated into Your Day
• Training the Brain for Focus and Concentration
• Single-Tasking vs. Multi-Tasking
• Mindful Breathing- the Cure for What Ails You
• Don’t Believe Everything You Think
• ANTS and You
• Quick Brain Boosters and Stress Busters
• Compassionate and Effective Communication Strategies
• Gratitude and Kindness – Dopamine Boosters

Cost: $150 for a one-hour session

2. Large or small group employee workshops - These trainings can be configured for any need (e.g. 4 three-hour sessions). Contact On-Point for more details.
Cost: $125 an hour (minimum 3 hours)