In the Workplace

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

Businesses, service firms, and large corporations are introducing Mindfulness to their employees as it brings immediate, positive results, is easy to learn and incorporate into daily life (both in the workplace and at home), and involves only a small time commitment.

Why is Mindfulness needed in the workplace?

• A lack of focus or attention to detail at work can lead to a loss of productivity, and potentially more serious consequences. More productive and attentive employees translate to an improved bottom line for companies.
• We all face challenges in our daily lives. Research shows that how we manage those challenges can have either a positive or negative effect on our relationships and on our physical and mental health.
• Employees must be prepared to handle workplace challenges and obstacles in a positive way and deal successfully with stress.

Why corporations are embracing Mindfulness:

• Positive results are in the research.
  Over the last 30 years, there has been a tremendous volume of research and data collected and analyzed to quantify the beneficial impact of Mindfulness. Research shows Mindfulness:
  • Changes the way our brain works in positive ways, such as by increasing mental focus and the ability to concentrate.
  • Improves the immune system, and helps relieve chronic pain, back discomfort, and other discomforts.
  • Reduces blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and alleviates depression.
  • Decreases the stress people experience.

Data shows a direct correlation between Mindfulness and the improved bottom line of a company. (See below Aetna case study re: ROI)

• Mindfulness has become a secular pursuit over the past three decades.
  This is now fully understood that Mindfulness – with its Eastern roots – is nothing like religion as it is based in science and research.
• We live in a crazy, “go, go” world with never-ending deadlines and pressure.
  The need for Mindfulness today is greater than ever as:
  • We are so stressed.
  • We have a constant information overload, and have access to technology 24/7.
  • The ability to come back to the present moment and notice the ‘now’ is quite desirable.
  • The opportunity to truly, totally, and completely experience quiet and peace is something deep down we know we all want and need.

The Aetna Mindfulness Case Study: Mindfulness improves the bottom line

Aetna has offered Mindfulness programs to associates since 2011 as part of the company’s broader strategy. Aetna aims to ensure there is a workplace culture of well-being, and that there is a supportive, healthy work environment to help employees achieve their health ambitions. Aetna employees have the opportunity to participate in Mindfulness activities and learn how to incorporate the exercises in their everyday life.

In 2016, Aetna launched its first Mindfulness Challenge, and in 2017 the company opened its Mindfulness Center.

The results of Mindfulness programs at Aetna are quantifiable and impact the company’s bottom line*, as participants:

• Perceive a decrease in stress by more than 35%
• Report a 20% improvement in sleep
• Experience a 19% reduction in pain

Aetna reports participants in programs have become more effective on the job, gaining an average of 62 minutes per week of productivity each, which Aetna estimates is worth $3,000 per employee per year.

*From At Aetna, a C.E.O.’s Management by Mantra, The New York Times, by David Gelles (2015)

The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has shown that health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress. Mindfulness, due to its ability to reduce stress, is credited as an important factor in reducing both the stress level in employees and the additional health care dollars spent by highly-stressed employees as compared to their less-stressed peers.**

** An Aetna study shows that highly-stressed employees incur an additional $2,000 per year in health care costs, compared to their less-stressed peers. For a company such as Aetna, this quickly ramps up to millions of dollars a year in employee stress-related additional expenses. Aetna has stated it is seeing results from its Mindfulness programs in the form of the reduction of health care costs at the company.
 

• Download a PDF with information on Harriet and her Mindfulness programs here.