Mindfulness has been gaining popularity in recent years as a tool for reducing stress and promoting well-being. But can mindfulness really help with reducing staff sickness rates?
The short answer is: yes.
Mindfulness has been shown to have significant benefits for both physical and mental health, making it a valuable tool for employers who want to promote a healthy and productive workforce.
Physical Health Benefits of Mindfulness
One of the main ways that mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates is by promoting physical health. Stress is a leading cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels1, which can have a significant impact on physical health outcomes.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also promote better sleep2 and healthier eating habits3, both of which are important for maintaining good physical health. Studies have shown that people who practise mindfulness are more likely to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise because they feel more connected to their bodies, things we know can help reduce the risk of a range of health problems.
Mental Health Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has also been shown to have significant benefits for mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall mood and well-being1. This is particularly important in the workplace, where stress and burnout are common.
By promoting well-being and creating a more supportive culture, mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates by preventing mental health problems from developing or worsening. This can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce, with lower rates of absenteeism and presenteeism.
How to Promote Mindfulness And Reduce Absenteeism
If you’re interested in promoting mindfulness in your workplace, consider joining MindfulnessUK’s JOY programme®, a train-the-trainer style programme that equips your team with the skills, knowledge and passion to create and maintain a culture of mindfulness in your organisation.
You might also considering offering mindfulness training to your employees.
So yes, mindfulness can be an extremely valuable tool for reducing staff sickness rates in the workplace. By promoting physical and mental health, mindfulness can help prevent health problems from developing or worsening, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce.
References:
- Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 33, Issue 6, August 2013, Pages 763-771, Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796855/
- NCBI, The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6557693/
- Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 68, October 2014, Pages 107-111, Mindful eating: Trait and state mindfulness predict healthier eating behavior, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886914002396