by Natasha Douglas | Apr 7, 2023 | All Blog Posts, Mindfulness at work
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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
by Natasha Douglas | Apr 6, 2023 | All Blog Posts, Mindfulness at work
Did you know that employee well-being isn’t just about *avoiding* poor mental health (although we know that’s extremely important too)?
What companies tend to overlook is that employee well-being is about *creating* an environment where employees can thrive and experience genuine joy in their work and personal lives. It’s a holistic concept that encompasses both mental and emotional health and the creation of fulfilling, joyful experiences.
So while employee assistance programmes and mental health first aid training are powerful and important tools for any organisation, they alone cannot significantly improve well-being.
What we need to consider is how to create joy in the everyday.
So why should joy be at the heart of your company’s People Strategy in 2023?
1. Joyful employees are more engaged
When employees are happy and fulfilled, they’re more likely to be engaged in their work. They’ll be more productive, more creative, and more committed to the company’s goals. This means that investing in employee happiness can pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, better quality work, and improved customer satisfaction.
2. Joyful employees are more loyal
Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company for the long term, reducing the costs associated with turnover and recruitment. This can have a significant impact on the bottom line, as the cost of replacing an employee can be as high as two times their salary.
3. Joyful employees create a positive company culture
A positive company culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. When employees are happy, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences with others, which can help to build a strong employer brand. A positive culture can also help to improve teamwork, collaboration, and communication, leading to better outcomes for the company.
4. Joyful employees are healthier
Studies show that happy employees are healthier employees, with lower rates of absenteeism and higher levels of energy and motivation. A healthy workforce can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall productivity.
So how can companies create a more joyful workforce? Here are a few tips:
1. Prioritise work-life balance
Encourage staff to take time off when they need it and to prioritise their personal lives. This can help to reduce stress and burnout, leading to happier, more fulfilled employees.
2. Create a positive company culture
Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and open communication. Find ways to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions, and celebrate successes together.
3. Offer opportunities for growth and development
Provide employees with opportunities to learn and grow, whether through training programs, mentorship, or promotions. This can help to keep employees engaged and motivated.
4. Invest in employee well-being
Offer wellness programs, such MindfulnessUK’s THE JOY PROGRAMME to support employee well-being. This can help to reduce stress, improve overall health and build happiness both in and outside of the workplace.
By now, we all know that employee well-being is important. But are you prioritising the creation of joy in 2023?
By focusing on employee happiness and well-being, companies can create a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce, leading to better outcomes for the company and its employees.
