Meditation helps employees re-engage
Sad to say, but I don’t know many people who like their jobs. An article in the New York Times by Tony Schwartz and Christine Porath discusses workplace conditions that cause employees to feel disengaged, weary, and zapped of creative energies, and they propose some simple remedies. The authors found that when employers allow employees a little time during the workday to renew physically and mentally, employees re-engage, re-focus, and productivity improves. These conclusions support the benefits of Meditation programs in the workplace. See Benefits of Meditation.
Causes of Job Burnout and Frustration
Many employees, including high level managers, complain that they aren’t valued. Employees are expected to put in long hours on a regular basis and be available 24/7 via email, texts, and cell phones. People arrive home tired after a long day in the office to spend evening hours on emails. It is no surprise then that so few people like their jobs and so many report feeling some degree of burnout. Despite the long hours, productivity is not improved. Long hours not only inhibit the ability of employees to think creatively or to focus upon the important aspects of their work in a meaningful way, but negatively impact the bottom line as well. The numbers reported in the Times article point to a workforce in serious trouble, and this applies to white collar and blue collar employees alike. If this pattern continues, it will not serve any of us. It is counter-intuitive to expect otherwise. The good news is that a remedy appears to be relatively simple and easily implemented. Sometimes we have to “take this job and love it.” With Meditation as our aid, we can.
Importance of feeling valued in your job
Long ago I learned a basic tenet of human resources: the majority of employees place a high value on making a contribution in the workplace, as high or higher than amount of compensation. People want and need to feel valued in the workplace. They want to be creative and thrive and be valuable parts of the businesses of their employers. In order to make contributions, employees need to renew themselves. Although this seems like common sense, corporate cultures virtually demand 24/7 connectivity to the workplace without any apparent consideration of the physical, mental, and emotional need for rest and renewal. We all know on a personal level that our ability to work effectively on multiple planes is dependent on our ability to recharge. Even on vacation, many people log work hours. This, too, is counter-intuitive. Renewal plays an important role in being productive on the job.
Renewal with Meditation Improves Employee Engagement, Job Satisfaction, and Productivity
The Times article notes a significant improvement in engagement and productivity at work when employees’ fundamental needs were met. Fundamental needs include the physical need to renew, the emotional need to feel valued and appreciated, the mental need to focus upon important tasks in an absorbed way, and the spiritual need to do what they do best and feeling connected to a higher purpose at work. Meditation in the workplace is a multi-faceted fit for many of these needs. Meditation has been shown in clinical studies to refresh the body in ways similar to naps. It has been documented to improve concentration and focus, and to boost creativity. It provides an improved sense of well-being and a connection to something larger than ourselves.
Fortunately for employers, providing opportunities for renewal is neither difficult nor an expensive proposition. Some employers have already discovered this, and are reaping the benefits of a happier workforce and improved productivity. Companies are including renewal options such as meditation programs, nap rooms, wellness programs, onsite massages, etc. Whether through a workplace program or on a personal basis, Meditation can relieve burnout and help re-engage and stimulate your focus and creative thinking. Contact me to inquire about Focused Mind Dynamics’ workplace programs and re-engage in the workplace.
To learn more read the entire New York Times article.