Meditation and mindfulness have surged in popularity, and many companies are weaving these ancient practices into their corporate wellness programs. However, most organizations are missing an important piece of the puzzle. To understand why, we have to look at what got us here.
We’re living in a new reality
Technology is evolving faster than ever and the need to be online and available 24/7 has kept our fight-or-flight responses in overdrive and our well-being compromised. Many people feel this most in the workplace.
In corporate settings, competition has spiked, and ever-increasing demands have left leaders and their teams overburdened, exhausted, and detached. According to the American Institute of Stress:
- 83 percent of U.S. workers are suffering from work-related stress.
- 80 percent of U.S. workers reported stress as a result on ineffective company communication in 2019.
- U.S. businesses lose $300 billion annually as a result of workplace stress.
- 63 percent of U.S. workers are ready to quit their jobs due to stress.
This is true now more than ever with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people across the globe to work from home. Many are having trouble creating boundaries between work and their personal life, and feel the need to always be available. You can read more about how to managing your mental health during the pandemic here.
The rise of corporate meditation and mindfulness programs
Over 20 million people have turned to meditation and mindfulness to address individual stress levels, and many companies, including Apple, Google, and Target, have made these practices a part of their corporate programs in the form of yoga, guided meditations, and breath work.
While this is a big step in the right direction, a recent study found most corporate programs prioritize the individual while overlooking collective workplace culture. This is a major misstep since environments have a profound impact on employee wellbeing.
The Be Difference
At Be Meditation, we believe it’s critical for companies to address employee wellbeing holistically—not just at the individual level. Our programs bring teams together with shared, meditative practices that can open up new possibilities for leaders, teams, and organizations to achieve more—and be happier.
Our programs help your team find the space within themselves to be present, calm, and less reactive, which will allow others around them to do the same. Outcomes include:
- Better inclusion and utilization of team members.
- Increased employee satisfaction.
- More effective and connected leadership.
- Enhanced creative thinking at all levels.
- A solutions-focused environment.
- Improved ability to conceptualize and meet long-term goals.
- Increased alignment between teams and leadership.
Read more about Be’s corporate programs here.
Have you participated in corporate meditation or mindfulness programs? If so, let us know what you thought in the comments below.
Schedule a Consultation to see how we can create a virtual corporate meditation program for you.