Zen and the Art of Mindfulness at Work

What do some of the largest So what if employees could learn to be calm, employers in America, the U.S. relax under pressure, and de-stress without military, and ivy-league business losing focus? According to Abby Davis, RN, a schools have in common? leading health and productivity consultant MINDFULNESS. at Alliant, “As traditional wellness programs progress from cost containment to workforce Big, forward-thinking organizations are leading engagement solutions, this is the logical next the movement toward creating a society that is ‘big idea’ given how much research is being more focused, centered, and connected through published linking mindfulness to health the ancient practice of mindfulness. What is and performance.” mindfulness anyway? At the end of the day, companies want to While the common answer is “meditation,” enhance employee productivity and increase mindfulness also means maintaining a moment- performance. They also want to lower healthcare by-moment awareness of our thoughts, costs and absenteeism. Conveniently, the feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding benefits of mindfulness include: environment. What mindfulness does is create space in our minds so we can “respond” rather • Improved mental and emotional health than “react” to what passes through. This • Reduced stress practice, which has roots in ancient Buddhist • Increased attention span religion, is now taking hold in corporate America. • Improved memory A 2016 employer study conducted by the • Enhanced workplace morale National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments revealed that 22% of employers More simply, the practice of being mindful currently have mindfulness programs and 21% can allow employees and leaders to clear are thinking about introducing one in 2017. their heads and become aware of reflexive, emotional reactions that may lead to bad You can also find mindfulness training in decisions. Employees can reduce what’s known healthcare companies such as Aetna, who in meditation circles as “monkey-mind,” when recently announced a major mindfulness we lose focus and our thoughts change like a initiative. Each Aetna employee is given a monkey frenetically swinging from branch postcard that announces: “Come back in 20 to branch. minutes, I’m taking a mindfulness break.” Employees are instructed to put these cards on their door to allow for some quiet time.

Alliant Employee Benefits, a division of Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. CA License No. 0C36861. © 2017 Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. ABC News’ Dan Harris, in his book, 10% Happier: Increasingly, big companies How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced are exploring the benefits of Stress without Losing My Edge, and Found Self- integrating mindfulness training Help That Actually Works, presents a rational into their wellness strategies. argument for the value of meditation. According to Colleen Saringer, Ph.D., a health and productivity In 2004, the ABC News Nightline co-host suffered consultant with Alliant: “Our clients are seeking a visible, on-air panic attack live on Good creative, low-cost ways to lower stress and reduce Morning America. The Dan Harris meltdown was the prevalence of anxiety and depression. We’ve the crescendo of years of exhaustion and stress. become experts on mindfulness and meditation Harris was a rising star at ABC News, reporting vendors and strategies due to increased demand. on-air with Peter Jennings and Diane Sawyer Our best advice? Go slow and do your research at only 26 years old. The meltdown was the on vendors before you allow anyone access to spark that encouraged Harris to look for another your employees.” way. He found his answer in the ancient art of mindfulness and meditation. The book has been So, is it the next big trend in creating the perfect wildly popular and is a New York Times Bestseller. workforce? Or is it simply a flash in the pan? We will be keeping a (mindful) eye on this trend. Although skepticism about meditation remains in the western world, today’s version does not require a lot of things that give people pause. For example: Creative. Experienced. Engaged. Responsive. That’s the Alliant difference. • You don’t have to sit in a contorted position (unless you want to, of course) alliantbenefits.com • You don’t have to chant or burn incense • You don’t have to abandon your existing faith tradition With meditation, there’s nothing to buy and you don’t have to wear a frock, Birkenstock sandals, and patchouli perfume.