How to Successfully Implement Mindfulness in the Workplace

The workplace can often be a stressful and fast-paced environment, but is it possible to thrive in such a situation? The key may lie with mindfulness –  paying attention to what is happening in the present moment without judgment. By adopting this approach, we can learn to cope with the challenges of the workplace and achieve a sense of calm and focus.

Implementing mindfulness techniques in the workplace can help create a calm and focused environment. Consider adopting this approach to improve productivity and overall work satisfaction.

7 Examples of Implement Mindfulness in the Workplace:

1. Mantra of the Day- ‘Be Present’:

Being mindful at work involves paying attention to what is going on around you and within the mind. When your mind wanders (which it will), acknowledge the presence of those thoughts then refocus your attention to the work you are doing.

To foster mindfulness in the workplace, it is essential to make a conscious decision every day to be fully present at work. This intentional approach can help you stay focused and engaged throughout the day, leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.

2. Practice Short Mindful Exercises at Work:

Practicing mindfulness regularly helps train the brain, such that the brain can then drop into a mindful state easier. However, obviously, in the workplace, it may be impossible to set aside 30 minutes or so to engage in a mindful exercise. 

This doesn’t matter.

Mindful exercises can be as short as you like. To incorporate mindfulness into your day, be creative with finding opportune times that you can fit it in.

I understand that finding time for mindfulness exercises can be challenging. But don't worry, you can start with short exercises that fit your schedule. Remember to be kind to yourself and look for opportunities throughout your day to practice mindfulness. With a little creativity, you can easily incorporate it into your routine.

3. Reminders Works Best:

It is normal for your mind to go back into ‘auto-pilot’ – especially as this is the brain’s ‘default’ way to operate. It is helpful to use reminders to help you be mindful again.

You can set your phone to vibrate mode and associate it with a reminder to be more mindful. This way, you can be notified of incoming messages or other notifications without disturbing others in your workplace. Instead of reacting impulsively by checking your phone, take a moment to pause and be mindful.

4. Slowing Down to Speed-up in the Long Run:

Taking the time to slow down, and even stop, can have a positive impact. By embracing a more mindful approach to work, you can become more efficient, productive, happy, resilient, and healthy. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, slowing down and reflecting can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

5. Practice Gratitude:

Practicing mindfulness involves being grateful. It can help build resilience by being aware of the positive things happening at work. Appreciate the small things and even the challenges that come with the job.

6. Foster Humility:

It's interesting to consider the connection between humility and mindfulness in the workplace. You may ask: "What is the relationship between these two?" How can humility be an example of mindfulness? Consider the components of mindfulness. Humility is closely related to mindfulness in the workplace. Mindfulness involves self-acceptance, openness to learning from others, and gratitude. These components lead to humility. Being mindful in the workplace requires humility, self-acceptance, and appreciation for others' contributions.

7. Accept what you can’t change:

It is essential to practice mindfulness in the workplace by accepting the present moment without any judgment.

Accepting yourself for who you are is an important aspect of mindfulness. It also involves acknowledging your mistakes at work to reduce unhelpful ways of dealing with perceived ‘failure’, such as rejection or avoidance. Both of these strategies could hamper productive work efforts. Therefore, an example of being mindful at work is to practice ‘radical’ acceptance.

Mindfulness Coach / Non-Dual Lifestyle Coach / Founder of 'SWA' Self Wellness Awareness / Expert on Non-Duality