The workplace is a difficult place for employees and employers. Employers want to hire people who will work hard and excel in their positions, while employees want fair wages, work-life balance, and a well-paced office space. For everyone to leave the workday satisfied, there must be a compromise. That said, incorporating mindfulness in meetings may be a good place to start.
Mindfulness is the act of remaining cognitively present. The act can be done while completing tasks or through meditation. The goal is to quiet outside noise and thoughts and focus on what is happening. Here are five ways you can add mindfulness in meetings and the workplace.
1. Mandatory lunch breaks
While lunch breaks are required in most workplaces, employees often work through lunch or grab a snack and then return to work. This move shows dedication and commitment but can decrease productivity as the day continues. To remain in a mindful place, set a 30-minute lunch break (or more) requirement for all employees.
Allowing employees to take 30 minutes to an hour for lunch will enable them to rest their minds and fill their stomachs. When they return to work, they can focus on work instead of hunger. You can also encourage people to relax, meditate, or walk during breaks. To ensure everyone has the chance to eat, provide Two Good Remix Yogurts in the break room.
2. No phone policy in meetings
Whether remote, in-person, or hybrid, phones are distracting. Company meetings allow everyone to learn, express concerns, and engage in fellowship. The urge to scroll on social media or text someone back is hard for everyone to fight, proving hard to stay mindful while in meetings.
To add mindfulness in meetings, enforce a no-phone policy. This policy may be hard for employees to accept, but everyone will benefit from the rule in the long run. It will keep everyone on task and focused.
3. Group Morning Meditation
Another option for adding mindfulness in meetings is to set the stage for a mindful attitude. Before morning meetings kick off, allow a 10-15-minute group meditation window. Timing is at your discretion. Group meditations can be once a week, monthly, or before every meeting. They can also be done remotely. This practice will allow employees to enter the meeting with the right mindset without having to leave work to do so. To fight off hunger and keep your company mindful, provide free Two Good Smoothies once a week.
4. Coffee Chats
Communication is the key to any successful relationship, even in the workplace. Consider implementing quarterly 15-20 minute coffee chats with each employee. This practice can be done remotely or in person, and it may be a good idea to let employees choose which works best for them. All you need is coffee and an open mind.
Regularly scheduled check-ins allow everyone to express struggles, achievements, and areas of improvement. Without these check-ins, employees may harbor ill feelings. These feelings can distract them from the task they are working on, slowing productivity.
5. Quiet Spaces
Everyone has reached a point in the workday where they are stuck. Whether it is writer’s block, exhaustion, or accidentally deleting a file, we sometimes need a moment to recollect ourselves. A quiet space dedicated to employees to use for meditation or relaxation is the perfect way to honor employee needs. The hustle and bustle of an office can easily overstimulate someone, and the quiet space provides relief. Install a mini fridge with water and Two Good yogurt cups to add more pleasure and a late-day pick-me-up.
Mindfulness in meetings and the workplace is imperative to retaining good employees. It will also attract more like-minded applicants and boost employee satisfaction. Remember, changing an office’s culture only takes a few minor adjustments.
What are some ways to add mindfulness in meetings and the workplace? Let us know in the comments below.
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