Episode 58 – Mindfulness In The Workplace

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a significant shift in how mindfulness is discussed—both in the media and the workplace. That shift got me thinking… and writing… and now, talking.
This isn’t always an easy topic to explore, to be honest. Mindfulness can carry a lot of “woo-woo” connotations, which can make me hesitant to put my stamp on it. But the truth is, I am an expert in this area—mindfulness and mindset-shifting are at the heart of what I do. So here we are.

 

Episode 58 – Mindfulness In The Workplace

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve obviously seen a big shift in the degree to which mindfulness is discussed in the media, and in the workplace. This got me thinking…and writing…and now talking. Mindfulness in the workplace supports individuals in managing complex situations.

Show Notes

One of my most viewed blog posts is The 4 Strategies For Self-Regulation in Adults. And for good reason—organizations are under increasing pressure to support their nurses and healthcare professionals in the wake of the pandemic. Their wellbeing is essential to navigating these challenges. Mindfulness is one powerful strategy—it directs your attention to the present moment (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Kabat-Zinn, 2003).

 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your awareness to the present moment (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Kabat-Zinn, 2003). Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994) defines it as “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

It could look like this:
“I’m feeling rushed right now. I’m going to stop for a moment, take a breath, and focus on the task at hand. What am I doing?”

Mindfulness is a practice—it evolves over time. It helps change your relationship with your thoughts, your body, and your environment. There is extensive scientific evidence to support the health benefits of everyday mindfulness—at home, at school, and in the workplace.

 

Why Mindfulness In The Workplace

Mindfulness helps individuals manage stress and navigate complex situations at work. At our core, we’re all here to grow, learn, and serve in some way. Developing the tools to manage work-related stress isn’t just good for productivity—it helps build character, integrity, and emotional resilience.

Think of it this way: every musician needs to fine-tune their instrument. The same applies to us. Our minds are our instruments—and mindfulness helps us tune into our thoughts and bodies with more clarity and compassion.

The Research To Support Mindfulness In The Workplace

When you think of mindfulness as a form of self-regulation, its value becomes even more clear.
Self-regulation refers to the voluntary control of physical, cognitive, and emotional processes (Rheme & Rokke, 1988). When you’re well, you’re likely regulating effectively. When you’re not, stress and illness are more likely to take root.

Rich (2015) notes that work-related stress was the second most significant stressor in the U.S. in 2014 (APA, 2015), and accounted for 39% of work-related illnesses in Great Britain (Health and Safety Executive, 2014).

Chiesa, Seretti & Jakobsen (2013) found that mindfulness practitioners regulate their emotions either through:

• Top-down regulation (detached observation of emotions and thoughts)
• Bottom-up regulation (direct control over brain areas responsible for emotional response)
• The more advanced your mindfulness training, the stronger your self-regulation.

That’s why mindfulness is such an effective resource—it can be taught and practiced both in and outside the workplace, helping individuals lead healthier, happier lives.

Instill A Culture of Health & Wellbeing

As healthcare grows more complex, so must its leaders. In Episode 56, I talked about how strong healthcare leaders must blend clinical skills with emotional intelligence and business know-how.

To build high-performing teams who want to stick around, leaders must be adaptable, self-aware, and grounded. Mindfulness supports this kind of leadership and helps teams thrive amid complexity. When we instill a culture of health and wellbeing, we create an environment where everyone feels supported in their personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Mindfulness training in the workplace offers more than just a pause—it cultivates focus, compassion, and emotional stability. And let’s be honest: nurses can always use more support in that area.

It helps quiet the mental chatter and reduce agitation—something we all experience in today’s world. For hospital leaders and frontline teams, this knowledge is a game-changer.

Improving Work-Life Balance With The ProMind Experience

Work-life balance and nursing wellbeing go hand in hand. By equipping your employees with the right mindset tools and personal development strategies, you create the conditions for sustainable healthy habits and long-term wellbeing.

Originally launched in early 2020, The ProMind Experience was designed by Satori to support healthcare organizations in proactively addressing mental health and workplace wellness. However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was temporarily paused. It wasn’t until April 2023 that The ProMind Experience was reactivated with renewed purpose—to address the escalating burnout and wellness challenges facing frontline health professionals.

Now reimagined for today’s healthcare climate, The ProMind Experience supports frontline nurses in achieving work-life balance in 7 weeks or less. The program blends cognitive, physical, spiritual, and behavioural strategies to support the full spectrum of wellbeing needs for healthcare staff.

Self-awareness = self-regulation.

Here’s how The ProMind Experience helps your team thrive:

Bonus Training: Banish Burnout Bootcamp offers practical tools and mindset strategies for stress management.
Team Approach: Staff receive support to navigate personalized health goals through movement and nutrition.
Social Connection: The Mindful Clinician Community creates space to build meaningful peer relationships.
Gamified Platform: A fun and intuitive digital experience that lights up the dopamine button and drives engagement.
Supportive Closed Group: An engaging, community-based environment that fosters collaboration and personal growth.

And that’s just the beginning. If it sounds like a good fit, book a call with me and discover how The ProMind Experience™ can support better work-life balance and a culture of wellbeing in your hospital or healthcare organization.

Articles on Mindfulness

1. Baking and Cooking as Mindfulness Activities
2. The Benefits of Everyday Mindfulness
3. Your Own Happy Pill Through Mindfulness Coaching
4. How Meditation Helps for Stress-Management
5. Episode 33. 5 Interesting Facts On Meditation
6. 4 Easy Steps To Build A Meditation Practice
7. Create Your Own Meditation Space – Episode 15 Satori Radio Podcast

 

Sources:

Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848.

Vich, M (2015). The emerging role of mindfulness research in the workplace and its challenges. Central European Business Review, 4 (3), p.35-47.