The following are observations on the benefits of Mindfulness extracted from a variety of sources:
Return on Investment
The ROI ratio of investing in Mindfulness training has been found to be 1 to 2.5-5.0. Dr. Tage Sondersgaard Kristensen of Corporate Based Mindfulness Training IF Insurance, based in the Netherlands, observed a 19% decrease in stress, 37% increase in productivity, 40% increase in focus, 34% increase in emotional control, and a 37% decrease in overwhelm. (Conscious Success, Boston; 2 trainings followed by weekly Enews and optional coaching services)
Less Stress, More Productivity
42% stress reduction, improvement in productivity, time management, and job satisfaction. (Stephanie Tate with Fortune 500 knowledge workforce; company sponsored courses, 6-8 week courses, repeated sessions of 2 hours each held onsite at noon and 4pm)
Increased Attention
Improvement in attention, memory problem solving, enhanced experienced empathy and other positive emotions, lowered stress and effective treatment in a variety of medical conditions. (Ray Williams, Psychology Today)
Researchers observed a thickening of the prefrontal cortex, an indication of strength in attention. (Harvard Medical School)
Less Fear and Aggression
Powerful antidote to fear and aggression associated with knee-jerk reactions of panic, pessimism and “getting tough” during difficult economic times. Helps in healing toxic workplace culture where anxiety and stress impede creativity, and performance. (Ray William, Psychology Today)
Increased Productivity
Reduced multitasking, increased productivity, improved quality of work, more meaningful connection with co-workers and loved ones. (Jeremy Hunter, Drucker School of Management)
Increased Longevity
Meditation changes the systemic gene expression (the “on/off” switches for important longevity markers) in molecular and biochemical pathways involved in cellular metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and generation of free oxygen. This means meditation actually changes your DNA strand. Long term meditators show a genetic change of over 2,000 markers, while meditators with just 8 weeks of practice show a change in over 1500 markers; you don’t have to be a long term practitioner to achieve positive genetic impact through meditation. (Jeffrey Dusek, 2008 and Herbert Benson, Harvard Medical School)
Improvement in Mood
71% increase in calm, 64% increase in relaxed feeling, 42% felt more peaceful and 26% had clearer thinking; 22% improved sleep, 22% experience a new perspective on life. 68% preferred meditating together and 76% desired to continue the practice (Mindful Leadership, The Ashridge Institute, UK. % is number of participants responding)
Increased Calm and Happiness
Increased activity in the areas of the brain associated with feelings of calm and happiness and less activity in the areas of the brain associated with feelings of sadness, worry, and anxiety. Participants also reported feeling improved mood, more energy, less anxiety and a reduction in flu antibodies after receiving a flu shot, suggesting they were actually physically healthier as well (Dr. Richie Davison, University of Wisconsin)
Qualitative factors for successful corporate mindfulness programs
A study preformed in the UK from 1985 to 2010, utilized 5 different techniques across 125 organizations. This study observed that best success is achieved when these factors are present:
- Top management support
- Participants valued training
- Training location was undisturbed, quiet with fresh air
- Ongoing training is offered in different types of meditation
