Over my years as Founder, CEO, Executive or Board Director and Advisor, I have observed a consistent missing piece in the senior management toolbox. As a leader, it is something that is becoming increasingly challenging to prioritise due to the fast-paced, demanding and ‘always on’ expectations — from customers, shareholders, and often, ourselves. Yet, it is one of the superpowers that evidence shows can transform work environments and the people that lead them.

Now that I am working with Founders and Executives 1:1, it has become more evident why this is occurring. As leaders, rarely throughout the day are we checking in with our mind and body to connect with how we are feeling in the moment and make necessary adjustments as a result. In addition, maintaining the discipline to ensure we are not constantly context-switching — instead focusing on just one thing and being present — whether with a task or an individual sitting right in front of us.

The skill of being mindful and truly present has positive physical and emotional benefits while also driving higher productivity and ensuring team members feel heard and understood. Many organisations are exploring mindfulness as a way to better support their employees and business outcomes. Mindfulness practices help people build the skills to be more fully present and aware, creating substantial positive impact on productivity and well-being at work and beyond.

Boosting Productivity

Mindfulness helps employees think clearly and be more creative. Regular practice can improve focus and concentration, reducing distractions and making work more efficient.
A study by Glomb et al. (2011) found that mindfulness training improved focus and time management, leading to better job performance. It also clears mental clutter, giving space for fresh ideas, problem-solving, and innovation (Hyland, Lee, & Mills, 2015).

Reducing Burnout

Burnout is a major issue, especially post-COVID. Mindfulness helps people manage stress and build resilience (Good et al., 2016). It also aids in emotional regulation, allowing employees to respond calmly to stress and avoid the exhaustion characteristic of burnout (Glomb et al., 2011).

By staying in the moment and practising non-judgment, employees can better handle work pressures. Learning and adopting mindfulness techniques also helps people relax and recharge away from work — maintaining energy levels and motivation long term to prevent burnout.

Enhancing Well-Being

Mindfulness boosts both mental and physical health, leading to happier, healthier employees. Regular practice can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and other mental health issues common in high-pressure work environments (Hyland et al., 2015).

Physically, mindfulness practices like breathing exercises and body scans help employees notice and address tension early (Good et al., 2016). It can also improve workplace relationships by fostering empathy and active listening, which in turn boosts job satisfaction (Glomb et al., 2011).

How to Bring Mindfulness to Your Workplace

Here are some easy ways to introduce mindfulness at work:

• Lead by Example: When leaders practise and prioritise mindfulness, it encourages teams to follow and support their own wellbeing.

• Offer Training: Host workshops or sessions with mindfulness experts to equip your team with practical tools.

• Encourage Mindfulness Breaks: Promote short breaks for breathing, stretching, or reflection — even scheduling 10 minutes between meetings to give everyone time to reset.

• Use Digital Tools: Apps like Smiling Mind offer guided meditations and exercises to help employees build mental fitness and resilience. Learn more here.

• Integrate with Wellbeing Programs: Include mindfulness components in employee wellbeing initiatives such as newsletters, webinars, or training.

Mindfulness provides leaders with more skills to connect with and lead high-performing teams. When entire teams embrace it, the results can include increased productivity, reduced burnout, and enhanced wellbeing.

As work-life challenges continue to evolve, mindfulness remains key to improving both individual and team performance — leading to better business outcomes and healthier, more fulfilled people under your leadership.

 

By Janey Martino
Founder, Smiling Mind

 

References

Good, D. J., Lyddy, C. J., Glomb, T. M., Bono, J. E., Brown, K. W., Duffy, M. K., ... & Lazar, S. W. (2016). Contemplating mindfulness at work: An integrative review. Journal of Management, 42(1), 114–142.

Hyland, P. K., Lee, R. A., & Mills, M. J. (2015). Mindfulness at work: A new approach to improving individual and organisational performance. Industrial and Organisational Psychology, 8(4), 576–602.

Glomb, T. M., Duffy, M. K., Bono, J. E., & Yang, T. (2011). Mindfulness at work. Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, 30, 115–157.