Dive Brief:
- More employers today are mindful of mindfulness, as the trend of stress-and anxiety-busting programs for workers continues to rise. Employee Benefits News cautions that choosing a good mindfulness vendor and delivery platform can realistically ensure employees get on board.
- The article cites a 2016 study from the National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments that found 22% of employers surveyed offer mindfulness programs while another 21% are considering one for 2017. Also 36% that offer mindfulness training extend it to family members.
- Workplace mindfulness programs look to sharpen focus, improve memory and relationships and foster self-control.
Dive Insight:
The reach of such programs can extend to reducing stress, anxiety, depression or, in some cases, chronic back pain. Much like yoga or similar wellness initiatives, delivery modes include face-to-face (personal or group), audio and online (real-time or recorded). Web-based training seem to be preferred, according to a story of 500 employees in Oregon.
Among the factors in choosing a program for the workplace, one is a mindfulness regimen that is non-spiritual/non-religious. Another best practice is ensuring vendors can produce research and metrics, so you know how successful any one program might be before signing on the dotted line. Finally, leaders need to get involved and discuss their outcomes, as that can prove a potent incentive for all employees to give mindfulness a try. Incentives don't hurt either.