Mindfulness improves business success
Mindfulness is getting much more attention in business. Aetna, Google, General Mills and many others have instituted programs in this area. A mindful approach can mean reductions in employee absenteeism and turnover, improved employee relationships, better client interactions and increased job satisfaction. All are important for business productivity and success.
When we are mindful, we observe our thoughts, emotions and sensations in real time, surveying our mindsets and emotional states and how they affect interactions with others. We consciously take note of our environment, being aware, in the moment, actively noticing what is new and being more sensitive to context and perspective. Mindfulness is a “must-have” for effective leadership even now more than ever. More effective decision-making results when leaders take time to observe and consider alternative options, not being trapped by assumptions that can mislead them.
Mindfulness causes changes at the neural level, improving how we think and feel. Research from the University of Wisconsin and others describe how mindfulness practices keep the brain healthy, protecting it from the stress of complex 24/7 world. Even 10 minutes a day of sitting quietly, observing breath, meditation or walking with intention and awareness has been shown to actually improve the brain and increase effectiveness at work. Creativity increases through these activities, allowing your open mind to invent new approaches to work situations. Mindfulness increases by doing one thing at a time. Quality suffers when multitasking which causes attention to shift from task to task and the task at hand does not receive the necessary attention.
In a “mindful” culture, employees pay attention, taking note of their accomplishments as well as the accomplishments of their colleagues. They gain the perspective needed for creative thought, seeing where change is required and appreciating what is working well and should not change. Awareness helps them replace unnecessary mindless effort with intelligence. Being present increases the capacity to act on unforeseen events, meaning fewer missed opportunities and mistakes. This leads to more effective meetings, as employees practice mindful listening by being fully present to collaborate on the issues at hand.
Mindful awareness, a key element of Emotional Intelligence, can be taught and mastered.
General Mills has trained hundreds of employees in mindfulness. After training, the vast majority consciously looked to improve personal productivity (83% versus 23% before training); 82% took time to eliminate unproductive tasks, versus 23% before; and 80% of leaders reported experiencing a positive change in decision-making. 89% said they became better listeners. Google’s mindfulness program is designed to help participants learn to better relate to others and gain a deeper knowledge of themselves. Aetna found that employees reporting the highest stress levels had on average $2,000 higher medical costs than those with the lowest. They implemented 5 to 15 minute meditation exercises to target stress and they are making the program available to their customers.
Discipline in the practice of this “soft” concept of mindfulness is producing hard tangible business results that improve the work climate, personal health and everyday life. Consider how this may help you and your organization.
