“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? ― Mary Oliver
Mindfulness and poetry have a special place in my heart and in my practice and I feel supported and saved by them on a daily basis. This alchemy of insight and wisdom is truly soul work.
Mindfulness and poetry individually, yes …but there’s this invitation to consider the potency of them together as a gentle holistic medicine, encouraging us to engage with our energy and equilibrium, our anxieties and desires. This is a practice as a prayer, offered to ourselves and others; this is a practice gentle, therapeutic and revealing without the pressure of an outcome or goal.
We often become absorbed in the desire to know what a poem means and whilst this may be rewarding, through mindfulness we learn how to appreciate poetry in a different way, perhaps without the urgency of needing to know; allowing ourselves to soften the intellect, engaging more fully with the mystery.
Mindfulness allows us to slow down and create a calm awareness to receive the words of a poem. It encourages the thinking mind to quieten and allows the poetry to be received not only through the ears but also in the body and the heart. We can be intimately in touch with the experience of the poem, connecting with our senses, connecting with our willingness to be open.
Poetry naturally creates a sense of our common humanity. We meet our own feelings and emotions in the words of another. We have conversations with people from past centuries with the revelation that our emotional pain, joy and complexity are indeed ancient not new. Mindfulness is a door through which a journey into poetry can begin and poetry always offers a welcoming hearth and home for mindfulness.
Research demonstrates that individually they are considered to address pain and illness, stress and isolation: our lives, our loves and our losses. I believe that together they are most definitely more than the sum of their parts.
Over the last year leading sessions on mindfulness and poetry has genuinely moved me: the heartfelt sharing, the realisation of our commonality and connection and also our ability to consider worlds and experiences that are not the same as ours. It engages our compassion, it cultivates relationships and we all become accustomed to holding the space as we read, listen and practice. And yes there are tears as we engage with the heart but there’s also laughter and deep wonder at the world in which we share.
I would encourage all teachers to consider the opportunity poetry offers to enhance their mindfulness sessions. It dissolves and reinvents teacher student relationships; it extends this wonderful gift of agency as someone is empowered to offer a poem that has accompanied their lives at moments of healing, through times of distress or remembering. Here we find all the themes of mindfulness effortlessly spilling from the page, here we learn to listen attentively, generously, tenderly.
About Helen Potts
Helen is a Mindfulness UK IMC graduate. She leads mindfulness and poetry for wellbeing sessions and is passionate about making mindfulness and compassion relatable and inclusive, sharing with others the healing potential this offers. Helen has run a number of community groups, supporting people who are experiencing illness and life challenging circumstances.
“It is wonderful seeing people connect and give space to the fullness of their lives: the pain, the joy and the messiness! We are all the same really, we want to live well, find some ease and fulfilment; whatever our resources I believe this is possible.”
Labour turnover, also known as employee turnover or staff turnover, is a critical metric for any organisation. It measures the rate at which employees leave and join a company over a specific period. High labour turnover can be costly and disruptive, affecting productivity, morale, and the overall success of a business. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies to attract and retain top talent in your industry, thereby reducing labour turnover and enhancing your company’s performance.
Understanding Labour Turnover
Before delving into strategies to reduce labour turnover, it’s essential to understand what it is and why it matters. Labour turnover is often calculated as a percentage and can be classified into different types:
Types of Labour Turnover
Voluntary Turnover: This occurs when employees leave the organisation on their own accord, such as for a new job, personal reasons, or dissatisfaction with their current role.
Involuntary Turnover: This happens when the employer terminates the employment due to performance issues, organisational restructuring, or other reasons.
Functional Turnover: When low-performing employees leave, it can be beneficial for the organisation.
Dysfunctional Turnover: When high-performing employees leave, it negatively impacts the organisation.
Why Labour Turnover Matters
High labour turnover can have several adverse effects on an organisation, including:
Increased Recruitment Costs: The cost of hiring and training new employees can be substantial.
Loss of Knowledge and Expertise: Experienced employees leaving can result in a loss of institutional knowledge.
Reduced Productivity: Frequent turnover can disrupt workflows and reduce overall productivity.
Lower Morale: High turnover rates can affect the morale of remaining employees, leading to further dissatisfaction and departures.
Attracting Top Talent
Attracting top talent is the first step in reducing labour turnover. Here are some strategies to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation:
Build a Strong Employer Brand
A strong employer brand can make your organisation more attractive to potential employees. This involves creating a positive image and reputation as an employer. Here are some ways to build a strong employer brand:
Showcase Your Company Culture: Highlight your company values, mission, and work environment on your website and social media platforms.
Share Employee Testimonials: Use testimonials from current employees to give potential candidates an insight into what it’s like to work at your company.
Promote Employee Benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits and perks you offer, such as flexible working hours, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Optimise Your Recruitment Process
An efficient and effective recruitment process is crucial for attracting top talent. Here are some tips to optimise your recruitment process:
Streamline Application Procedures: Make it easy for candidates to apply by using a user-friendly online application system.
Utilise Social Media: Use social media platforms to reach a broader audience and engage with potential candidates.
Enhance Job Descriptions: Write clear and compelling job descriptions that accurately reflect the role and responsibilities.
Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits packages are key to attracting top talent. Ensure that your salary offerings are in line with industry standards and consider offering additional benefits, such as:
Health and Wellness Programmes: Provide comprehensive health insurance and wellness programmes to support employee wellbeing.
Retirement Plans: Offer competitive retirement plans to help employees plan for their future.
Professional Development: Invest in employees’ growth by providing opportunities for training, education, and career advancement.
Create a Positive Candidate Experience
The candidate experience during the recruitment process can significantly impact a candidate’s decision to join your organisation. Here are some ways to create a positive candidate experience:
Communicate Clearly and Timely: Keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process and provide timely feedback.
Personalize Interactions: Personalise your communications with candidates to make them feel valued and respected.
Provide a Smooth Onboarding Process: Ensure a seamless transition for new hires by providing a comprehensive onboarding programme that includes training, introductions to the team, and an overview of company policies and procedures.
Retaining Top Talent
Once you have attracted top talent, the next step is to retain them. High retention rates are indicative of a healthy, satisfied workforce. Here are some strategies to help you retain your best employees:
Foster a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment can significantly impact employee satisfaction and retention. Here are some ways to create a positive work environment:
Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensure that your workplace is inclusive and diverse, where all employees feel respected and valued regardless of their background.
Support Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and promoting the importance of taking breaks and vacations.
Recognize and Reward Employees
Recognition and rewards are powerful tools for employee retention. Here are some ways to recognize and reward your employees:
Implement a Recognition Program: Establish a formal recognition program that highlights and rewards employees for their hard work and achievements.
Offer Incentives and Bonuses: Provide financial incentives and bonuses for exceptional performance and achieving milestones.
Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate work anniversaries, birthdays, and other significant milestones to show appreciation for your employees’ dedication.
Provide Career Development Opportunities
Employees are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their professional growth. Here are some ways to provide career development opportunities:
Offer Training and Education: Provide access to training programs, workshops, and courses that help employees develop new skills and advance their careers.
Create Clear Career Paths: Develop clear career paths and progression opportunities within the organization, allowing employees to see a future with your company.
Encourage Mentorship: Implement mentorship programs where experienced employees can guide and support the professional development of their colleagues.
Ensure Fair Compensation
Fair and competitive compensation is crucial for retaining top talent. Regularly review and adjust salaries to ensure they are competitive within your industry. Consider the following:
Conduct Salary Surveys: Participate in or purchase industry salary surveys to stay informed about market trends.
Implement Pay Increases: Regularly review and adjust salaries based on performance, experience, and market conditions.
Provide Transparent Compensation Policies: Clearly communicate your compensation policies and how pay increases and bonuses are determined.
Support Employee Wellbeing
Supporting employee wellbeing can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention. Here are some ways to promote wellbeing:
Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling services and employee assistance programs.
Physical Health Initiatives: Offer wellness programs, gym memberships, and health screenings to support physical health.
Stress Management: Implement stress management programs and provide resources to help employees cope with work-related stress.
Build Strong Relationships
Strong relationships between employees and management can enhance job satisfaction and retention. Here are some ways to build strong relationships:
Encourage Team Building: Organize team-building activities and events to foster camaraderie and trust among employees.
Provide Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly and create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking feedback.
Show Empathy and Support: Demonstrate empathy and support for employees’ personal and professional challenges.
Create Opportunities for Autonomy
Employees who feel empowered and autonomous are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Here are some ways to create opportunities for autonomy:
Delegate Responsibility: Trust employees with significant responsibilities and the autonomy to make decisions within their roles.
Encourage Innovation: Create an environment where employees feel encouraged to share innovative ideas and take initiative.
Reduce Micromanagement: Allow employees the freedom to manage their own tasks and projects without excessive oversight.
Address Workplace Issues Promptly
Unresolved workplace issues can lead to dissatisfaction and turnover. Here are some steps to address workplace issues promptly:
Implement a Grievance Procedure: Establish a formal procedure for employees to raise grievances and ensure they are addressed promptly and fairly.
Conduct Exit Interviews: When employees leave, conduct exit interviews to understand their reasons for leaving and identify any areas for improvement.
Monitor Employee Satisfaction: Regularly survey employees to gauge their satisfaction and address any concerns that arise.
Measuring Labour Turnover
Measuring labour turnover is essential to understand the effectiveness of your retention strategies. Here are some methods to measure labour turnover:
Calculate the Labour Turnover Rate
The labour turnover rate is a key metric that indicates the percentage of employees who leave an organization over a specific period. The formula for calculating labour turnover rate is:
Labour Turnover Rate=(Number of Employees Who Left During the PeriodAverage Number of Employees During the Period)×100\text{Labour Turnover Rate} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of Employees Who Left During the Period}}{\text{Average Number of Employees During the Period}} \right) \times 100Labour Turnover Rate=(Average Number of Employees During the PeriodNumber of Employees Who Left During the Period)×100
Analyse Turnover Data
Regularly analyse turnover data to identify trends and patterns. Consider the following factors:
Departmental Turnover: Identify if certain departments have higher turnover rates and investigate the reasons.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Turnover: Differentiate between voluntary and involuntary turnover to understand the underlying causes.
Demographic Trends: Analyse turnover data by demographics, such as age, gender, and tenure, to identify specific groups that may be at higher risk of leaving.
Conduct Employee Surveys
Employee surveys can provide valuable insights into job satisfaction, engagement, and potential reasons for turnover. Here are some tips for conducting effective employee surveys:
Keep Surveys Anonymous: Ensure anonymity to encourage honest feedback.
Ask Relevant Questions: Include questions that address job satisfaction, work environment, management support, and career development.
Act on Feedback: Use the survey results to make informed decisions and implement changes that address employee concerns.
Leveraging Technology to Reduce Labour Turnover
Technology can play a significant role in reducing labour turnover by streamlining processes, improving communication, and enhancing employee engagement. Here are some ways to leverage technology:
Use HR Software
HR software can help manage various aspects of employee lifecycle, from recruitment to performance management. Features to look for include:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Streamline the recruitment process and track candidates efficiently.
Performance Management Tools: Monitor and evaluate employee performance regularly.
Employee Self-Service Portals: Allow employees to access their information, request leave, and update personal details.
Implement Employee Engagement Platforms
Employee engagement platforms can help improve communication and foster a positive work environment. Consider using platforms that offer:
Surveys and Feedback Tools: Collect and analyse employee feedback regularly.
Recognition Programmes: Implement peer recognition programmes to celebrate achievements.
Communication Tools: Facilitate open communication and collaboration among employees.
Offer Online Learning and Development
Providing access to online learning and development resources can enhance employee skills and career growth. Benefits include:
Flexible Learning: Employees can learn at their own pace and convenience.
Diverse Course Offerings: Offer a variety of courses that cater to different interests and career paths.
Track Progress: Monitor employee progress and identify areas for further development.
The Role of Leadership in Reducing Labour Turnover
Effective leadership is crucial for reducing labour turnover and creating a positive work environment. Here are some ways leaders can contribute:
Lead by Example
Leaders should model the behaviour and values they expect from their employees. This includes demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
Communicate Vision and Goals
Clear communication of the organisation’s vision, goals, and expectations can help align employees’ efforts and foster a sense of purpose. Regularly share updates and celebrate progress towards achieving these goals.
Provide Support and Resources
Ensure that employees have the necessary resources and support to perform their jobs effectively. This includes providing access to tools, training, and assistance when needed.
Foster a Culture of Feedback
Encourage a culture where feedback is regularly exchanged and valued. Leaders should provide constructive feedback and be open to receiving feedback from employees.
Recognise and Reward Contributions
Acknowledge and reward employees’ contributions and achievements. This can be done through formal recognition programmes, bonuses, or simple gestures of appreciation.
Develop Leadership Skills
Invest in leadership development programmes to enhance the skills of current and future leaders. Effective leadership can significantly impact employee satisfaction and retention.
How MindfulnessUK Can Help
You may, at this point be wondering how MindfulnessUK fits into all of this. We specialise in corporate mindfulness training and wellbeing programmes tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. The JOY Programme is the results of 14+ years in the space and is designed to provide comprehensive solutions to improve workplace wellbeing. By incorporating mindfulness practices, physical wellness activities, mental health support, and team-building exercises, we help businesses create a healthier and more productive work environment.
A Wellbeing Programme That Suits Your Needs
We work with a select few of your individuals by putting them through our train-the-trainer programme. This works to everyone’s advantage as just a few members from each department need to take the down time to complete the training, but the entire team end up benefiting as these trained individuals will spread the necessary knowledge and practices into the daily lives of your staff and therefore build a culture of positive wellbeing and increasing every metric along with it. Having implemented it into other organisation’s we can now see the ongoing affect it has, even on new hires, allowing the culture benefits to resonate for long periods of time without the need for constant top-ups.
Ongoing Support and Evaluation
Our team provides ongoing support to ensure the successful implementation of wellbeing initiatives. We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and adjust as needed to ensure continuous improvement. This includes regular check-ins with your team, feedback surveys, and data analysis to track the impact of our initiatives on employee wellbeing and productivity.
Engaging Workshops and Training
Our engaging workshops and training sessions cover a wide range of topics, from stress management and mindfulness to nutrition and fitness. These sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, providing employees with valuable skills and knowledge. By making our workshops engaging and relevant, we ensure that employees are motivated to participate and apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Accessible Resources
We provide a range of accessible resources, including online courses, webinars, and downloadable materials, to support your employees’ wellbeing journey. These resources are available 24/7, making it easy for employees to access support whenever they need it. Our online platform includes a library of mental health resources, ensuring that support is always at their fingertips.
Building a Positive Workplace Culture
By integrating the JOY Programme into your business, you’ll be fostering a positive workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. This cultural shift can lead to long-term benefits, including increased employee retention, enhanced reputation, and a more engaged workforce. A positive workplace culture not only improves employee satisfaction but also attracts top talent and enhances your company’s overall performance.
Conclusion
Managing labour turnover and retaining top talent is crucial for any organisation’s success. By implementing the strategies discussed in this blog, you can create a positive work environment, offer competitive compensation, support employee wellbeing, and foster strong relationships within your team. Understanding the importance of fair compensation, recognition, career development, and leveraging technology can further enhance your retention efforts.
At MindfulnessUK, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve these goals through our comprehensive JOY Programme. Our tailored solutions are designed to improve workplace wellbeing, reduce labour turnover, and create a more engaged and productive workforce. For more information on how the JOY Programme can benefit your business, visit Mindfulness UK today and take the first step towards transforming your workplace wellbeing.
About Karen Atkinson:
Karen has been teaching mindfulness and compassion for over 30-years and is the Co-founder and CEO of MindfulnessUK, an author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice, a previous Chair of BAMBA, an international trainer and supervisor.
Stress is a common issue that affects many employees in today’s fast-paced work environments. For some, the stress becomes overwhelming, leading to the need to take time off work. If you’re an employer, understanding how to support your employees during this challenging time is crucial for their recovery and the rest of your organisation’s wellbeing. This blog provides comprehensive guidance for both employees and employers on managing work-related stress and creating a supportive work environment.
Understanding Work-Related Stress
Work-related stress can stem from various factors, including high workloads, tight deadlines, lack of support, and workplace conflicts. Prolonged exposure to these stressors can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Recognising the signs of stress early can help you take the necessary steps to address it before it becomes overwhelming.
Common Signs of Work-Related Stress
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and decreased decision-making ability.
Behavioural Symptoms: Changes in eating habits, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and withdrawal from social activities.
Employee Rights When Signed Off Work with Stress
If an employee is experiencing severe work-related stress, they may need to take time off to recover. Understanding their rights and the procedures involved is crucial to ensure they receive the support they need.
How to Get Signed Off Work with Stress
Consult a GP: Employees feeling that stress is affecting their ability to work should schedule an appointment with their GP. They should be honest about their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. A GP can assess their condition and, if necessary, provide a fit note (formerly known as a sick note) that states they need time off work due to stress.
Notify the Employer: Employees should inform their employer as soon as possible about their need to take time off work. They should provide the fit note from their GP. It’s essential to communicate openly and honestly about the situation to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
Understand Sick Pay Entitlement: Employees should check their employment contract or speak with the HR department to understand their sick pay entitlement. In the UK, they may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or company sick pay, depending on the employer’s policy.
Legal Protections for Employees
In the UK, employees are protected by various laws that ensure their rights are upheld when signed off work with stress:
Equality Act 2010: Protects employees from discrimination based on mental health conditions. If stress is related to a mental health issue, employers must make reasonable adjustments to support them.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes managing work-related stress and taking steps to reduce it.
Returning to Work After Stress Leave
Returning to work after being signed off with stress can be challenging for employees. Employers can play a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition back to work:
Gradual Return: Consider a phased return to work, gradually increasing hours and workload. This approach can help employees adjust and manage any remaining stress.
Reasonable Adjustments: Work with employees to identify any reasonable adjustments that can be made to support their return. This could include changes to workload, flexible working hours, or additional support from colleagues.
Ongoing Support: Ensure employees have access to ongoing support, such as counselling services or employee assistance programmes. Regular check-ins with their manager can also help address any concerns and ensure their wellbeing is prioritised.
Supporting Employees During Their Time Off
Taking time off work due to stress provides employees an opportunity to focus on their wellbeing and recovery. Employers can support this process in several ways:
Maintain Open Communication
Maintaining open lines of communication with employees who are signed off work with stress is crucial. Regularly check in with them to show that they are valued and missed. However, respect their need for privacy and avoid pressuring them to return to work before they are ready.
Provide Resources and Support
Provide employees with information on available resources and support, such as mental health services, online counselling, and employee assistance programmes. Ensuring they have access to these resources can help them manage their stress and improve their mental health.
Encourage Healthy Practices
Encourage employees to engage in healthy practices during their time off. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and staying connected with friends and family. Providing information on local support groups and wellness activities can also be beneficial.
Long-Term Strategies for Employers to Manage Workplace Stress
While supporting employees during their time off is essential, implementing long-term strategies to manage workplace stress can prevent future issues and promote a healthier work environment. Here are some tips for employers:
Identify Stress Triggers
Conduct regular assessments to identify stress triggers within the workplace. This could involve employee surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one meetings. Understanding the root causes of stress allows employers to take targeted actions to address them.
Foster a Positive Work Culture
Creating a positive work culture is crucial for managing stress. Encourage a culture of support and collaboration, where employees feel valued and respected. Recognise and celebrate achievements, promote work-life balance, and ensure that workloads are manageable.
Promote Open Communication
Encourage open communication between employees and management. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking support. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help address issues before they become overwhelming.
Provide Mental Health Training
Provide mental health training for managers and employees to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Training can equip team members with the skills to recognise signs of stress and provide appropriate support. It can also empower employees to take proactive steps to manage their mental health. This is something we do at MindfulnessUK.
Offer Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, and job sharing, can help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively. Offering flexibility can reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction.
Implement Employee Assistance Programmes
Implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can provide employees with access to confidential counselling and support services. EAPs can help employees manage stress, personal issues, and mental health concerns, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
Encourage Physical Activity
Encouraging physical activity in the workplace can have significant benefits for employee mental health. Consider offering gym memberships, organising fitness challenges, or providing on-site yoga and exercise classes. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to take regular breaks, use their full holiday entitlement, and avoid working after hours. Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can also help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
Recognise and Reward Employees
Recognise and reward employees for their hard work and achievements. This could include formal awards, informal praise, or small tokens of appreciation. Recognition can boost morale and make employees feel valued and supported.
Provide Professional Development Opportunities
Offer opportunities for professional growth and personal development through training programmes, workshops, and courses. Employees who feel they are growing and developing their skills are more engaged and motivated. Providing access to online learning platforms and encouraging employees to pursue courses that interest them can also support their development.
How MindfulnessUK Can Help
You may, at this point be wondering how MindfulnessUK fits into all of this. We specialise in corporate mindfulness training and wellbeing programmes tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. The JOY Programme is the results of 14+ years in the space and is designed to provide comprehensive solutions to improve workplace wellbeing. By incorporating mindfulness practices, physical wellness activities, mental health support, and team-building exercises, we help businesses create a healthier and more productive work environment.
A Wellbeing Programme That Suits Your Needs
We work with a select few of your individuals by putting them through our train-the-trainer programme. This works to everyone’s advantage as just a few members from each department need to take the down time to complete the training, but the entire team end up benefiting as these trained individuals will spread the necessary knowledge and practices into the daily lives of your staff and therefore build a culture of positive wellbeing and increasing every metric along with it. Having implemented it into other organisation’s we can now see the ongoing affect it has, even on new hires, allowing the culture benefits to resonate for long periods of time without the need for constant top-ups.
Ongoing Support and Evaluation
Our team provides ongoing support to ensure the successful implementation of wellbeing initiatives. We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and make adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement. This includes regular check-ins with your team, feedback surveys, and data analysis to track the impact of our initiatives on employee wellbeing and productivity.
Engaging Workshops and Training
Our engaging workshops and training sessions cover a wide range of topics, from stress management and mindfulness to nutrition and fitness. These sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, providing employees with valuable skills and knowledge. By making our workshops engaging and relevant, we ensure that employees are motivated to participate and apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Accessible Resources
We provide a range of accessible resources, including online courses, webinars, and downloadable materials, to support your employees’ wellbeing journey. These resources are available 24/7, making it easy for employees to access support whenever they need it. Our online platform includes a library of mental health resources, ensuring that support is always at their fingertips.
Building a Positive Workplace Culture
By integrating the JOY Programme into your business, you’ll be fostering a positive workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. This cultural shift can lead to long-term benefits, including increased employee retention, enhanced reputation, and a more engaged workforce. A positive workplace culture not only improves employee satisfaction but also attracts top talent and enhances your company’s overall performance.
Conclusion
Managing stress and supporting employees who are signed off work with stress is crucial for maintaining their mental health and wellbeing. Understanding their rights, providing support, and implementing effective stress management strategies can help them navigate this challenging time. For employers, creating a supportive work environment and implementing long-term wellbeing initiatives can prevent future stress-related issues and promote a healthier, more productive workplace.
MindfulnessUK is here to support both employees and employers on this journey. Our JOY Programme offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of SMBs, helping you foster a positive work environment and achieve long-term success. For more information on how the JOY Programme can benefit your business, visit Mindfulness UK today and take the first step towards transforming your workplace wellbeing.
About Karen Atkinson:
Karen has been teaching mindfulness and compassion for over 30-years and is the Co-founder and CEO of MindfulnessUK, an author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice, a previous Chair of BAMBA, an international trainer and supervisor.
In the fast-paced world in which we live and even more so in recent years post Covid, many people are turning to healing practices such as mindfulness and meditation to alleviate stress and enhance their lives. Since starting my work as a Mindfulness and Compassion teacher, many people have asked me what the difference between mindfulness and meditation is. A common perception is that they are the same thing, and in many ways, they have similarities and certainly produce similar positive effects. However, there are some fundamental differences to explore.
Mindfulness can be defined as being engaged in the current moment, inviting awareness to your emotional and physical self, with compassion and without judgement. It is a practice that can be integrated into your everyday life and become embodied by you in everything that you do.
What is meditation?
Meditation is an intentionally chosen activity with a focal point that requires physical action from you. Time is specifically taken out to formally practice meditation in a peaceful setting. In meditation, we may use the body as a focal point, whereas, during a guided mindfulness body scan we remain present and curious about how we are feeling physically and emotionally as we encounter the different areas of our bodies.
Meditation is often a single-pointed practice e.g. looking at a candle flame, whilst blocking everything out. It is usually a more concentrative focus whereas mindfulness is an open awareness whilst paying attention e.g. to the body, to the sensate experiences, we are still aware of what’s going on around us.
Meditation can be considered as more of a ‘letting go’ experience. During meditation, the focus is to clear the mind and less time is spent considering or acknowledging distracting thoughts or noticing how they are affecting us.
What is mindfulness?
In mindfulness practice, we often refer to ‘letting things be’. We allow thoughts to pass through, acknowledging them, accepting them and then letting them flow past unchanged.
Another unique element of mindfulness practice is the integration of kindness and self-compassion, truly allowing us to be with ourselves and how we are feeling. How do we talk to ourselves, feel about ourselves? We invite kindness, gentleness and compassion into the equation which creates an opportunity for a deeper inner connection.
Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
Both practices can help with many mental and physical health-related issues, including:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
High blood pressure
Auto-immune deficiencies
Cardio-vascular
Regulating the nervous system
Whether it is one or the other, or perhaps a combination of both, mindfulness and meditation have certainly proven to be of great added value in creating a more healthy and happy life.
“A crowded mind leaves no space for a peaceful heart.” ― Christine Evangelou
About Melissa Shah:
I am Melissa from Quiet Coyote, a mindfulness, compassionate inquiry and sound healing community. I have always had a strong desire to connect with others and support those in need of a helping hand through this sometimes tumultuous storm we call Life.
In today’s fast-paced business world, maintaining employee wellbeing is crucial for any business aiming to thrive. Fostering a healthy workplace not only boosts productivity but also enhances company culture, reduces sick days, and attracts top talent. This blog post explores a variety of wellbeing at work ideas, emphasising the importance of staff wellbeing initiatives and how they can transform your business.
Understanding Workplace Wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees. A well-rounded wellbeing strategy can lead to numerous benefits, including increased job satisfaction, improved morale, and higher productivity. Here are some key aspects to consider when implementing wellbeing initiatives:
Mental Wellbeing: Offering stress management resources, promoting work-life balance, and providing mental health support.
Emotional Wellbeing: Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, recognising employee achievements, and fostering strong team relationships.
Why Wellbeing at Work is Essential
Investing in employee wellbeing is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for modern businesses. Here are some compelling reasons why wellbeing at work should be a top priority:
Reduces Sick Days: Healthy employees are less likely to take sick leave, which translates to increased productivity and reduced costs for the business.
Boosts Productivity: Employees who feel valued and supported are more motivated and productive.
Improves Company Culture: A focus on wellbeing creates a positive work environment, enhancing overall company culture.
Enhances Team Building: Wellbeing initiatives often involve team activities, strengthening relationships and collaboration among staff.
Attracts Top Talent: Companies known for their employee wellbeing programmes are more attractive to potential hires.
Reduces Staff Churn: Employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritises their wellbeing.
Effective Wellbeing at Work Ideas
Implementing the right wellbeing initiatives can make a significant difference. Here are some practical ideas to consider:
Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions
Integrating mindfulness and meditation sessions into the workday can help employees manage stress and improve focus. These sessions can be seamlessly incorporated into daily schedules, providing tools and techniques to enhance mental clarity and emotional resilience. Regular mindfulness practice can lead to reduced anxiety and a more focused workforce. Consider starting the day with a short mindfulness session or integrating meditation breaks into the afternoon to refresh and recharge your team.
Flexible Work Hours & Location
Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can greatly improve work-life balance. This flexibility helps employees manage their personal and professional lives more effectively, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced stress. By allowing employees to choose their working hours, you can accommodate different lifestyles and responsibilities, making it easier for them to maintain a healthy balance. For example, parents can adjust their schedules to match their children’s school hours, reducing stress and improving overall productivity. Lots of leaders fear this will create a drop in creativity but studies are showing that it may actually leave to higher levels of output if implemented correctly.
Health and Fitness Programmes
Encourage physical activity by providing gym memberships, organising fitness challenges, or offering on-site yoga and exercise classes. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health, and it can be a fun and engaging way for employees to stay active. Organise monthly fitness challenges with small rewards for participants, or bring in fitness instructors for lunchtime yoga sessions. These activities can also serve as team-building exercises, fostering a sense of camaraderie among employees.
Healthy Eating Initiatives
Promote healthy eating by providing nutritious snacks, organizing healthy cooking workshops, or offering discounts on healthy meal delivery services. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall wellbeing. Stock the office with fresh fruits, nuts, and other healthy snacks to encourage better eating habits. Hosting a monthly healthy cooking class can also be a fun way to educate employees about nutrition while promoting teamwork.
Mental Health Support
Provide access to mental health resources such as counselling services, stress management workshops, and mental health days. Creating an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues is vital. Partner with mental health professionals to offer confidential counselling sessions and workshops on stress management techniques. Encouraging employees to take mental health days when needed can prevent burnout and promote long-term wellbeing.
Employee Recognition Programmes
Recognise and reward employees for their hard work and achievements. This could be through formal awards, shout-outs during meetings, or simple thank-you notes. Recognition boosts morale and makes employees feel valued. Implement a peer recognition program where employees can nominate colleagues for their hard work and contributions. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a culture of appreciation and support within the team.
Team Building Activities
Organise team-building activities that promote collaboration and communication. These can range from outdoor adventures and escape room challenges to virtual team-building games and workshops. Regular team-building activities can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and enhance overall team performance. Consider quarterly team-building events that mix fun with learning, such as a problem-solving retreat or a charity fundraising event that encourages teamwork.
Ergonomic Workspaces
Invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment to ensure employees are comfortable and to prevent workplace injuries. Proper ergonomics can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems and enhance productivity. Conduct an ergonomic assessment of your workplace and provide adjustable chairs, standing desks, and ergonomic keyboards and mice. These small changes can significantly improve employee comfort and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Personal Development Opportunities
Offer opportunities for professional growth and personal development through training programmes, workshops, and courses. Employees who feel they are growing and developing their skills are more engaged and motivated. Provide access to online learning platforms and encourage employees to pursue courses that interest them. Hosting regular workshops on topics such as leadership, communication, and time management can also support employee development and career progression.
Work-Life Balance Initiatives
Encourage a healthy work-life balance by promoting regular breaks, encouraging employees to take their full holiday entitlement, and discouraging after-hours work. A balanced approach to work and life can significantly reduce stress and burnout. Implement policies that support work-life balance, such as mandatory lunch breaks and discouraging after-hours emails. Encourage employees to take their full annual leave to recharge and avoid burnout.
Financial Wellbeing Programmes
Financial stress can significantly impact an employee’s mental health and productivity. Offer financial wellbeing programmes that include financial planning workshops, access to financial advisors, and resources on managing personal finances. Helping employees manage their finances can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Promote a culture of diversity and inclusion within your workplace. This not only creates a more supportive and innovative environment but also enhances employee wellbeing. Offer diversity training and create employee resource groups to support underrepresented employees. A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging and can significantly improve morale and productivity.
Building a Wellbeing Culture
Creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace requires commitment from all levels of the organisation. Here are some steps to foster a wellbeing culture:
Leadership Commitment
Leadership plays a crucial role in promoting wellbeing. When leaders prioritise and model wellbeing practices, it sets a positive example for the entire organisation. Encourage leaders to participate in wellbeing initiatives and communicate the importance of employee health and happiness.
Regular Feedback and Evaluation
Regularly seek feedback from employees about the wellbeing initiatives in place. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one meetings. Use the feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of your programmes and make necessary adjustments.
Continuous Improvement
Wellbeing is an ongoing journey, not a one-time project. Continuously look for new ideas and practices to enhance your wellbeing programmes. Stay updated with the latest research and trends in workplace wellbeing to ensure your initiatives remain relevant and effective.
How MindfulnessUK Can Help
You may, at this point be wondering how MindfulnessUK fits into all of this. We specialise in corporate mindfulness training and wellbeing programmes tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. The JOY Programme is the results of 14+ years in the space and is designed to provide comprehensive solutions to improve workplace wellbeing. By incorporating mindfulness practices, physical wellness activities, mental health support, and team-building exercises, we help businesses create a healthier and more productive work environment.
A Wellbeing Programme That Suits Your Needs
We work with a select few of your individuals by putting them through our train-the-trainer programme. This works to everyone’s advantage as just a few members from each department need to take the down time to complete the training but the entire team end up benefiting as these trained individuals will spread the necessary knowledge and practices into the daily lives of your staff and therefore build a culture of positive wellbeing and increasing every metric along with it. Having implemented it into other organisation’s we can now see the ongoing affect it has, even on new hires, allowing the culture benefits to resonate for long periods of time without the need for constant top-ups.
Ongoing Support and Evaluation
Our team provides ongoing support to ensure the successful implementation of wellbeing initiatives. We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and make adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement. This includes regular check-ins with your team, feedback surveys, and data analysis to track the impact of our initiatives on employee wellbeing and productivity.
Engaging Workshops and Training
Our engaging workshops and training sessions cover a wide range of topics, from stress management and mindfulness to nutrition and fitness. These sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, providing employees with valuable skills and knowledge. By making our workshops engaging and relevant, we ensure that employees are motivated to participate and apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Accessible Resources
We provide a range of accessible resources, including online courses, webinars, and downloadable materials, to support your employees’ wellbeing journey. These resources are available 24/7, making it easy for employees to access support whenever they need it. Our online platform includes a library of mental health resources, ensuring that support is always at their fingertips.
Building a Positive Workplace Culture
By integrating the JOY Programme into your business, you’ll be fostering a positive workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. This cultural shift can lead to long-term benefits, including increased employee retention, enhanced reputation, and a more engaged workforce. A positive workplace culture not only improves employee satisfaction but also attracts top talent and enhances your company’s overall performance.
Conclusion
Investing in workplace wellbeing is essential for any business aiming to succeed in today’s competitive market. By implementing the wellbeing at work ideas discussed in this blog, you can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace.
Mindfulness UK is here to support you on this journey. Our JOY Programme offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of SMBs, helping you foster a positive work environment and achieve long-term success. For more information on how the JOY Programme can benefit your business, visit our website today and take the first step towards transforming your workplace wellbeing.
About Karen Atkinson:
Karen has been teaching mindfulness and compassion for over 30-years and is the Co-founder and CEO of MindfulnessUK, an author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice, a previous Chair of BAMBA, an international trainer and supervisor.
I embarked upon my first mindfulness course less than five months after the passing of my beloved Nan. At 96 years old, her death shouldn’t have been so unexpected, but I felt her loss sharply. Noticed as a potential ‘red flag’ in my pre-course assessment questionnaire, my teacher immediately reached out; gently and compassionately checking that I felt ready and able to start on such a new and sometimes discombobulating endeavour. With a regular meditation practice under my belt, I felt able to proceed, and although there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to grieving, my experience as a participant, and now as a mindfulness teacher, has encouraged me to share the multitude of ways that we can help our clients to navigate grief. Let’s explore these more deeply here.
Firstly, let’s remember that grief will affect everyone at some point, and there are countless reasons to grieve. Unfortunately, we will all at some point lose a loved one, but equally the loss of a pet, a job, a relationship, a home, our health; even changes to our identity can bring about a strong sense of loss and grief. We should therefore remember that grief is a normal and natural process.
By practising mindfulness as part of the grieving process – by paying attention to what is happening, by not rushing it, not becoming consumed by it, not pushing it away or trying to fix it; our clients can be fully with whatever comes up, good or bad. Mindfulness can become a safe space to allow themselves to just be, to feel, to accept and simply exist.
Let’s unpack this further, into five key principles for our clients:
Feel your feelings: Acknowledgment and acceptance of how your client is truly feeling is an important first step in the healing process and the journey through mindful grieving. Without judgement or resistance to their emotions, it becomes possible to see that grief comes and goes, a cyclical process, much like the cycle of the breath. The sense of loss may never truly leave, but the rawness of grief can become easier once clients can acknowledge that eventually their feelings, just like their thoughts, will subside and pass.
Express yourself: Although initially seen as counterintuitive during the grieving process, we can remind our clients to not dampen their previously joyful activities and self-expression. When feeling stressed, sad and generally low, mindfulness can keep their tanks topped up, boosting resilience when they need it the most, and an acknowledgement that sadness and happiness can coexist. This could be through a range of mindful activities, such as mindful journaling, mindful movement, mindful gardening or even listening to music or reading some beautiful poetry. Expressing feelings and unpacking emotions through mindful activities can be incredibly supportive, especially for clients feeling stuck, or unable to talk and share their feelings.
Stay connected: Grief can be a very lonely, isolating place to be, especially when consumed by thoughts of loss and despair. The sense of community and connection through a regular mindfulness group, sangha or weekly sit can be transformative, even when joining a virtual space or sitting in shared, compassionate silence. As time passes, clients may find mindful enquiry, as part of a structured mindfulness curriculum, to be a supportive space to share their experience of grief.
Take care of yourself: Living life whilst grieving can often feel like an uphill struggle, and grief can be incredibly draining, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Mindfulness has been scientifically proven to support interpersonal relationships, to help to maintain healthy habits and to assist in the creation of better boundaries. The ability to continue eating well, exercising, maintaining wellbeing, and generally living with ease during such a difficult time is a challenge, but daily mindfulness and meditation practices can make life easier for our clients during this time.
Be kind to yourself: Mindfulness practices, particularly those supporting self-compassion, are crucial in enabling many clients to allow themselves to grieve without judgement. The traditional ‘five stages of grief’ can create a sense of urgency, of needing to get through the grieving period as soon as possible, and in the ‘right’ way. Self-compassion practices can help clients avoid this sense of comparison and cultivate feelings of loving-kindness, with a renewed ability to hold a departed one, and those loved ones still around them, more closely in their hearts and minds.
As mindfulness teachers, it can be all too easy to champion the power of meditation and mindfulness to everyone we meet. However, it’s important to remember that taking a mindfulness course, strange though it may sound, can at times be quite stressful. Learning new concepts, daily home practice and weekly sessions can be a big commitment if there is too much going on for someone. In terms of grief and bereavement, it is often helpful to come to terms with some of the grief involved first, as it can be difficult to work with more longstanding habits of mind when bereavement is still very preoccupying. As a mindfulness teacher, you might like to recommend a one-year notional period to your clients (although people will differ greatly in when they feel ready to begin a course) and experience suggests that it can be helpful to have gone through all the ‘significant’ dates of the person who has passed away before moving on to start something new or unknown.
Clarity, knowledge, and freedom of choice are paramount when helping clients navigate their mindful grieving journey. With the intention of care and in the ethos of looking after their own wellbeing first, I will always offer a friendly, no-obligation, pressure-free conversation to talk through their options and possibilities in more detail, giving time and space to explore anything with me that might be supportive. There is no rush, no destination to reach – mindfulness will be here when they are ready.
Victoria trained with us here at MindfulnessUK, where all of our course and teaching is trauma-informed, and we support teachers to have the tools and skills to support their participants safely and professionally.
Introducing Victoria Abbott:
Victoria Abbott works within careers education, advice and guidance at University College London, where she’s also a well-being champion and mental health first-aider. She also supports exhausted, anxious, busy women to create a calmer, happier and less fearful way of life through her work as an ICF trained compassion coach and mindful mentor. Victoria also teaches the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group programme, and as a trainee eco-therapist, hopes to blend both mindfulness, compassion and nature connection in her future offerings.
My memories of gardening stem from my early childhood. I remember watching my grandfather toiling for long stretches of time in the cold, wet and misty garden – digging and planting and mowing and trimming – it all seemed like such exhausting and relentless work. However, as I’ve grown older and have a garden of my own to tend to, I’ve come to appreciate the peace, tranquillity and joy that can be discovered from taking care of my own little patch of earth, especially through the pursuit of mindful gardening.
So how can mindful gardening boost our mental and physical wellbeing?
Mindful gardening can help us to escape the stresses of day-to-day life and create a sense of calm, particularly in the non-threatening space of the suburban garden. It’s important to highlight from the start that gardening is recommended by many GPs across the UK. In fact, the Royal Horticultural Society teamed up with GPs in 2019 as part of a new scheme to prescribe gardening activities to patients with dementia and mental health struggles. In 2021, the RHS released research that revealed those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all, and scientists and researchers continue to research the benefits of therapeutic horticulture on mental health outcomes today.
A key benefit from mindful gardening is simply creating some space in our frantic world – having some precious time alone in nature, soaking up some natural daylight and breathing in the fresh air. Mindful gardening allows us to step out of the thinking mind, to instead create a space to think more mindfully and connect with our emotions and feeling tones.
It’s easy to understand the recent rise in communal gardening, boosting wellbeing for many through increased community and social connection. These schemes also facilitate the sharing of loving kindness, a recognition of our common humanity, and of course, help in reducing loneliness and isolation. Time in green spaces can even increase longevity and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, even when our wider world feels aimless or uncertain.
Mindful gardening also supports us to create and sustain healthy habits. This could include growing our own fresh produce, which encourages healthier eating habits and better nutrition. The physical activity and exercise gained indirectly through gardening can also help boost our flexibility, strength, and balance, particularly crucial in older age.
It’s clear that time to connect with nature, wildlife, plants, and green spaces can all help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.
So how can we all try some mindful gardening?
Mindful gardening doesn’t have to be complicated – it is simply slowing down, noticing and being present in the moment – right here, right now.
When starting our first foray into mindful gardening, we should remember to value what we have created, and the hard work we’ve put into building our own personal oasis. Slowing down and being present is key here – not thinking about the next task that needs doing, or ruminating on what didn’t go well or grow last year. Simple first steps could include boosting appreciation for the wildlife, birds, and flowers around us with a short gratitude practice each morning in the garden. Being grateful for the smaller things in life that are already here and the sense of spaciousness and nature around us.
We could also try engaging with our senses in the garden – the sights, smells, sounds, even tastes and touch. Being at one with the intention of planting, really being fully aware of the touch of the soil on our hands or the grass beneath our feet – literally grounding ourselves in the present moment. Perhaps we might like to study a flower close-up – becoming aware of the shapes and textures of the petals – soaking up the awe of nature and her beauty.
Many people report using the time in the garden as a physical and mental check-in, literally asking, ‘what do I need right now, in this moment?’ Focusing on our body movements as we water our plants in the evening, or as we return some tools to the potting shed can all help us to become more mindful. Following a regular, short body scan as we begin our day in the garden can help to bring awareness to the whole body, noticing any physical sensations, cultivating present moment awareness, and practicing non-judgment of our busy, restless mind – not trying to change anything, just allowing things to be as they are.
Time in the garden is also time away from distractions, simply working on the task at hand and unplugging from the troubles of the everyday. Mindfully planting the bulbs, pruning the shrubs, sowing the seeds – literally smelling the roses! We might even like to send out a kind intention to our plants – ‘may you be healthy; may you grow with ease’ – expanding our sense of loving kindness to the nature surrounding us. Similarly, we could try breathing out difficulty and negativity with the action of mindful gardening – seeing our weeding as a visualisation of pulling out the stressors from our lives.
I often saw my grandfather standing motionless in the middle of his garden at dusk, perhaps staring dreamily into the trees or leaning idly on his garden fork. I understand now that gardening was not another awful chore he had to ‘get through’, but a real moment of peace and presence in his life. I wish us all the same joy and ease in our pursuit of mindful gardening.
Finding time and space for ourselves is an act of self-care and self-compassion, and if you are interested in learning more about making time for you why not join our Compassionate Mindful Resilience course, or if you are a teacher who wants to share this wisdom then join us and learn to teach this wonderful course that enables us to find space in our busy worlds.
Introducing Victoria Abbott:
Victoria Abbott works within careers education, advice and guidance at University College London, where she’s also a well-being champion and mental health first-aider. She also supports exhausted, anxious, busy women to create a calmer, happier and less fearful way of life through her work as an ICF trained compassion coach and mindful mentor. Victoria also teaches the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group programme, and as a trainee eco-therapist, hopes to blend both mindfulness, compassion and nature connection in her future offerings.
Congratulations! You’re a qualified Mindfulness and Compassion teacher, and ready to share mindfulness with the world, all you need now is people to teach! Finding clients and getting people booked onto your courses can feel a bit daunting – especially if this is your first experience of self-employment and self-promotion.
In this short article, I will share 6 ways to open doors to help you find clients, but before you start any type of effective marketing, you need to get really clear on who you are talking to and how you will help them. I’ve created a worksheet to help you do this – see the end of the article for how to access it.
Once you’re clear on who you are talking to, here are some strategies to help you grow your business and open doors to new opportunities.
Build an online presence.
Social media (Instagram, Linked In, Facebook) is a powerful way to reach people. Create a content plan and be as consistent as possible. Your content can include tips on how to live mindfully, the benefits of mindfulness, you can share mini-meditations, short talks or quotes or poems. There are a number of great accounts to follow for tips on how to build your following (message me for my faves). Just remember, when you’re posting to always include a call to action, whether that is to book onto a course, join a waiting list, follow your account or join your mailing list.
Collaborate.
Think about your ideal customer and what else they might be into. For example, if you were targeting mid-life women, consider other areas of their life that they may be investing in, e.g. nutrition, menopause support, exercise, parenting support. Create a list of businesses in your local area that are targeting the same group of people and get in touch to offer a free introductory talk to their clients or write a guest blog for their website or do something on social media together. Collaboration in this way opens new audiences to you and your service.
Network.
Have a look for networking events in your local community – there will be lots! Not only will you meet potential collaborators, and customers, you will meet other business owners who could be a great source of support for you. If networking feels a bit daunting, rather than focussing on talking about yourself, focus on talking about Mindfulness and the benefits. This detachment has helped a number of my clients feel more confident with networking. Also, try and find events that connect with you and your values. You can also join events where you know your target market may be. For example, Local Wellbeing events. Take some fliers and talk to people about Mindfulness and what you offer.
Leverage your existing network.
It always surprises me how many of my clients are not leveraging the amazing connections they already have. I get it, but there are ways that you can do this that don’t feel ick! A great place to start is to write a big long list of everyone you know. Include people you may not have spoken to for many years. Include friends of friends, previous employers, colleagues past and present, friends of friends. Then make some decisions about who you’re going to reach out to for a coffee and a catch up. It doesn’t have to be a hard sell, but I can guarantee they’ll be interested in what you’re up to.
Position yourself as an Expert in the field.
You know more about Mindfulness and Meditation than a lot of people out there. Don’t be afraid to feel confident about that. One great way to establish yourself as an Expert in your field and gain clients is to be a Podcast guest. Get listening to ones that are relevant to your market and get in touch with the hosts to be a guest. Podcast hosts are keen as mustard to have guests!
Offer Free Taster Sessions.
This is a great way to give people a chance to dip their toe in before investing. Ensure that you provide some value, but also don’t give too much away. The key here is ensuring that you collect email addresses and permission to email them after the session. Doing something like this ahead of launching a course is a great idea as you can offer a small discount to those attending the taster session. Do make sure that you follow up – on average it takes 7-11 touch points before someone will buy!
Now’s the time to make those small steps to feeling ready to launch, and we hope the tips above will help. Good luck. You have totally got this!
Introducing Tracey Butcher:
Tracey is a MindfulnessUK graduate and has been teaching Mindfulness via courses and in the corporate space since 2020. She gained her coaching diploma and now offers coaching to help and support people who want to launch their own businesses or make big changes to their lives.
Burnout is a psychological and physical condition that results from chronic stress, and it’s usually associated with work or caring responsibilities. But in truth, it can affect various aspects of your life, not just your professional life. But what exactly is burnout and how can we prevent it?
The three main dimensions of burnout are:
Emotional Exhaustion: This is the core component of burnout and involves feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed by the demands of work or life in general. People experiencing emotional exhaustion may find it challenging to muster enthusiasm or energy for their tasks.
Depersonalisation (Cynicism): Depersonalisation refers to a negative and detached attitude toward one’s work, colleagues, or responsibilities. People with burnout may become cynical, distant, or indifferent, often treating others in an impersonal manner.
Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Individuals with burnout may experience a decreased sense of personal accomplishment and self-efficacy. They may feel that their efforts go unnoticed or that they are not making a meaningful impact in their work or life.
What causes burnout?
Burnout can result from:
Prolonged exposure to stress
Overwhelming workloads
Unrealistic expectations
Lack of control over one’s tasks
Insufficient support from colleagues or supervisors
A misalignment between one’s values and the demands of their job.
It’s not a temporary condition but rather a state of chronic exhaustion that can have serious consequences for an individual’s physical and mental health.
Can mindfulness help prevent burnout?
The short answer: yes.
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for preventing burnout, and programmes like MindfulnessUK’s JOY Programme® can make a real difference to individuals and organisations at risk of burning out.
Here are just some of the ways it can help:
Stress Reduction: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can reduce the physiological and psychological responses to stress. Regular mindfulness practice can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and help the body recover from the effects of stress more efficiently.
Increased Self-Awareness: Mindfulness involves paying non-judgmental attention to your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. This increased self-awareness allows you to recognise the early signs of stress and burnout, such as excessive fatigue, irritability, or decreased motivation. By catching these signs early, you can take proactive steps to address them before they escalate.
Enhanced Resilience: Mindfulness practices encourage a non-reactive and non-judgmental attitude toward challenging situations. This can build resilience, helping you cope with stressors more effectively and bounce back from setbacks.
Work-Life Balance: Mindfulness can help individuals establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance by fostering a greater sense of presence in the moment. It allows you to fully engage in work when needed and then disconnect from work and recharge during your personal time.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps individuals become more attuned to their emotions and better equipped to manage them. This can prevent emotional exhaustion, a common component of burnout. When you can acknowledge and accept your emotions without judgement, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by them.
Better Communication: Mindfulness practices can improve interpersonal skills, including active listening and empathetic communication. Higher quality communication can reduce workplace conflicts and the stress associated with them.
Better Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness exercises improve your ability to stay focused and maintain attention on tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, reducing work-related stress and burnout.
Preventing Rumination: Mindfulness can help reduce the tendency to ruminate on past mistakes or future worries. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing burnout, as rumination can contribute to negative emotions and increased stress.
So what now?
To reap the benefits of mindfulness for burnout prevention, it’s essential to incorporate regular mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This might include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day to be present and mindful in your activities. You might want to take a course on mindfulness to help you embed these practices.
Combining mindfulness with other self-care strategies and seeking support when needed can create a comprehensive approach to preventing burnout.
If you’re concerned about burnout in your team, consider checking out MindfulnessUK’s JOY Programme®, a train-the-trainer style wellbeing programme developed to help workplaces develop a culture of mindfulness and improve staff resilience.
Or if you’re looking to reduce your personal risk of burnout, check out our Compassionate Mindful Resilience course. It’s a short, expert-led course designed to help you build resilience through mindfulness and compassion.
Are you ready to supercharge your leadership skills and become a better manager?
Enter mindfulness – a game-changing practice that goes beyond task management.
In this blog post, we’ll unveil 8 practical applications of mindfulness that managers like you can seamlessly integrate into your routines. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your leadership prowess and become more resilient but also create a team culture that’s built to thrive.
1. Morning Mindfulness Ritual
Kickstart your day with a mindfulness ritual. Dedicate a few minutes each morning to sit quietly and focus on your breath and grounding. You might want to try this mountain meditation or this meditation for self-compassion. This sets a positive tone for the day ahead, allowing you to centre yourself and cultivate a calm and focused mindset. As a manager, beginning your day mindfully can help you approach challenges with composure and clarity.
2. Mindful Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of being a great manager. Practise mindful communication by employing active listening techniques and being fully present during conversations with your team. Avoid interrupting or formulating responses while they’re speaking. This not only helps your employees feel heard but also enables you to fully understand their viewpoints and concerns and act accordingly.
3. Mindful Decision-Making
In the fast-paced world of management, decisions are often made on the fly. However, practising mindfulness can enhance your decision-making process. When faced with a significant choice, take a moment to pause. Reflect on your options, consider potential outcomes, and tune in to your intuition. This moment of mindfulness can lead to more well-informed and balanced decisions.
In fact, research suggests that mindful meditation improves cognitive control, emotional and regulation and empathy, resulting in better decision making1.
4. Mindful Delegation
Delegating tasks effectively is crucial when you want to be a better manager. Mindful delegation involves truly understanding the strengths of each team member. Assign tasks that align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth. Mindful managers trust their team and provide the necessary guidance while allowing individuals the autonomy to excel.
5. Mindful Conflict Resolution
Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. Mindfulness can help you navigate conflicts with a composed and empathetic approach. During discussions, stay present and focused, noticing any judgement or defensiveness that arises.
Where possible, you might find it helpful to do a short mindfulness meditation directly before entering into challenging conversations. This will help you tune into whatever is going on for you personally, and allow you to approach the conversation more openly and with compassion for yourself and others.
6. Mindful Time Management
Effective time management is a challenge for many managers. Mindfulness can aid in prioritising tasks and staying present during each activity. When working on a task, fully engage without trying to multitask. This focused attention not only enhances productivity but also reduces stress.
7. Mindful Stress Management
The demands of managerial roles can lead to stress. Incorporate mindfulness techniques to manage stress effectively. Take short mindfulness breaks during the day. Practise breath awareness, grounding, and gratitude. Over time, these practices can reduce overall stress levels, relieve tension and increase your resilience and feelings of positivity.
Team dynamics greatly influence productivity and job satisfaction. Organise team-building activities that incorporate mindfulness, such as group mindful meditation and high quality mindfulness programmes. These activities foster a sense of unity, trust, and collaboration among team members.
Conclusion
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practical and transformative approach to leadership.
By incorporating mindfulness into your managerial toolkit, you can enhance communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and overall team dynamics. These practical applications of mindfulness and compassion empower you to lead with empathy, authenticity, and resilience.
As you integrate these practices into your daily routine, you’ll discover that mindfulness not only benefits your leadership skills but also creates a positive and harmonious work environment that encourages growth and innovation.
If you’re interested in taking your mindful leadership to the next level, why not check out MindfulnessUK’s JOY programme. It’s our train-the-trainer style programme designed to help you foster a culture of mindfulness and well-being in your organisation.
Tired of sitting through endless, unproductive meetings, where your mind often drifts and your creativity feels stifled?
If you’ve experienced the frustration of meetings that lack focus, purpose, and engagement, then it’s time to consider a transformative approach: introducing mindfulness into meetings.
By incorporating mindfulness, you have the power to create a meeting environment that fosters collaboration, encourages communication, and enhances overall well-being.
Let’s explore three powerful strategies that can turn your mundane meetings into purposeful and effective sessions. Sessions where every participant feels valued and the outcomes are truly impactful.
1. Mindful preparation and intention-setting
We all know that meetings without a clear intention or purpose can become frustrating and a waste of time. But in order to combat this we need to go beyond simply defining the purpose and setting an agenda.
Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself why it is necessary and what specific outcomes you want to achieve. And – crucially – communicate this with the other attendees in advance to allow them to come to the meeting with a shared purpose in mind.
However, we all know that when diaries are packed out, people may not have time to remind themselves of the objectives and purpose of a meeting right beforehand. Participants may arrive buzzing with thoughts and priorities from previous meetings.
Take time together at the start of the meeting to connect mindfully with the meeting’s purpose and understand how it aligns with the organisational and individual goals. Allow space for everyone to reflect without the pressure of contributing aloud. This could be done through a short mindfulness practice, or simply through the meeting lead offering some reflective prompts.
This will help infuse the meeting with a clear and mindful intention, and help steer away from aimless discussions.
2. Creating a mindful meeting environment
Establishing a mindful meeting environment is crucial for encouraging participants to be present and engaged. Begin each meeting with a brief mindfulness exercise, such as a few moments of deep breathing or a short meditation. This will help in centre everyone’s attention, foster a sense of calm, and promote focus on the meeting’s content. A calm and welcoming atmosphere can boost creativity, reduce stress, and encourage better communication – leading to more effective and meaningful discussions.
Here at MindfulnessUK, we start all our team meetings with a short mindfulness meditation, allowing everyone to settle into the space and approach the meetings with an open mindset.
3. Mindful listening and communication
Mindful listening is an essential aspect of productive meetings. Encourage participants to practise active listening by giving their undivided attention to the speaker. Discourage multitasking, side conversations, or distractions during the meeting.
Mindful listening enhances understanding, promotes empathy, and reduces misunderstandings. By fostering an environment of respectful and attentive communication, you can ensure all ideas are heard and considered. The result? You’ll see better decision-making and outcomes from your meetings.
You might want to consider running a training session to help staff develop this skill.
Incorporating mindfulness in meetings is not only beneficial for individual well-being but also for the overall effectiveness and outcomes of the meetings. By setting intentions, creating a mindful environment, and encouraging mindful listening, you can transform your meetings and encourage better decisions and outcomes for your organisation.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can create a mindful culture within your organisation, check out MindfulnessUK’s JOY programme. JOY is a train-the-trainer style programme specifically developed for organisations and businesses looking to improve outcomes in the workplace.
Heading off on your holidays but want to know how to make the travelling process less frazzled and more peaceful?
We’ve compiled some top tips for mindful travel to help you do just that.
1. Pack mindfully
If you can, give yourself a decent amount of time to pack so you can do it slowly and mindfully.
As you select the items you need, reflect on their purpose and value to your journey. Rather than just chucking everything into a bag or suitcase, pay attention to the process of packing them and the emotions connected with each item.
This practice promotes intentionality and helps reduce unnecessary clutter (and stress!).
2. Embrace the journey
Rather than solely focusing on reaching your destination, practise being present throughout the entire travel experience.
Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Mindful travel is all about embracing the journey itself, whether it’s by plane, train, or car, and appreciating the opportunity to observe new landscapes or interact with fellow travellers. Take care to offer yourself compassion around any parts of the journey you don’t find so easy.
3. Drop the digital
In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, it’s easy to get caught up in social media or virtual distractions during travel.
We’re not suggesting you remove your phone completely (although you can if you want to) but it’s worth setting boundaries for yourself and limiting the time spent on digital devices. Instead of giving into technology’s constant distraction, try engaging in mindful activities such as journaling, meditation, or simply observing what’s happening around you.
By disconnecting from technology and embracing mindful travel, you can fully immerse yourself in the travel experience and foster a deeper connection with your surroundings.
4. Lean into the good and the bad
Holidays don’t always go smoothly. Instead of getting frustrated or impatient during delays or unexpected situations, try to shift your focus to mindful observation.
Take delays as an opportunity to practise mindfulness and compassion by observing your surroundings without judgment. Notice the people, the architecture, and other small details you might have otherwise missed.
When things don’t go to plan, we have an opportunity to extend ourselves compassion and kindness. By acknowledging your frustration or disappointment, you will be able to cope with it much better than if you just bottle it up.
5. Practise mindful self-care
Travelling can disrupt our usual routines, leading to over-tiredness or neglecting our usual self-care.
Take time to prioritize your well-being and offer yourself compassion. Make sure you tune into your body regularly to ensure you are getting sufficient rest, eating nourishing foods and staying hydrated.
Mindfulness practices like 5 minute body scans can be great for understanding your needs, wherever you are. We have a number of free audio clips of guided meditations that may help here.
P.S. If you’d like to find out more about mindfulness techniques that will make a real difference in your day-to-day life (beyond just your holidays!), check out our Compassionate Mindful Resilience course – it’s easy to fit in around work and other commitments, and could make a huge impact on your well-being.
Helen is a Mindfulness UK IMC graduate. She leads mindfulness and poetry for wellbeing sessions and is passionate about making mindfulness and compassion relatable and inclusive, sharing with others the healing potential this offers. Helen has run a number of community groups, supporting people who are experiencing illness and life challenging circumstances.
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