January 12, 2017
Making the Case for Mindfulness in Business
BY Caitlin Delohery IN Mindfulness 0 Comment
We live more and more of our work lives and our life lives online. The world as we know it can no longer function without the internet. We can no longer function without it.
On average, we spend more time consuming media than sleeping. But has it become too much?
Here’s why you need a workplace mindfulness practice – stat.
You’re not multi-tasking, you’re distracted
Ironically, the tools we use to make our lives easier and get more work done actually hurt our productivity. Studies show that we are more distracted than ever. Average human attention spans have crumbled to a measly eight seconds. Goldfish can now pay attention longer than we can.
The average person checks their phone 46 times a day. In America, that means collectively, we check our phones 8 billion times a day. Interruptions pop up every three minutes. And while that 30-second text check might seem harmless, it takes more than 20 minutes to recover from a distraction. No wonder it’s hard to get things done!
Being distracted is bad for your team and bad for business
A barrage of constant distractions is more than just overwhelming and counterproductive — it can lead to anxiety at work.
Have you ever tried to do a complex task when you’re preoccupied with something else? It probably didn’t go very well. Maybe it took longer than expected or the quality was abysmal. Wait, aren’t all these devices and apps supposed to make us more efficient?
Also, creativity doesn’t manifest under pressure. New ideas won’t pop up when you’re chasing Slack notifications or falling down email rabbit holes. Having a relaxed, clear mind is the golden state for better brainstorming and problem-solving. That’s why great ideas happen in the shower.
All this stress takes a toll on your team and can lead to burnout. If you’re looking to grow your business and provide the good life for your team, burnout is pretty much the opposite of all that.
Mindfulness is a distraction anecdote
So, you see the problem now. Many other leaders do, too. And in response, they’re turning to company-wide mindfulness initiatives.
Mindfulness, an objective awareness of the here and now, is a known practice for staying focused, calm, and productive. It helps improve memory and attention span. It reduces depression, anxiety, and stress.
Google and the U.S Marines have implemented mindfulness to improve their work. They’re combatting this epidemic of distraction through present-moment attention, everyday zen breaks from the grind, and communal meditation sessions. Will you be the next company on this list?
Looking for more on mindfulness? Check out our blog on how to get started with mindfulness in business.
