Is Mindfulness an Effective Practice or Just a Passing Trend?

Mindfulness—is it just a new-age term prevalent in the hyper-digitized world? Although it may sound like a new-age buzzword, did you know it has been a part of ancient traditions and practices, especially in India?

The 21st century is witnessing a rise in spirituality, with numerous influencers, spiritual gurus, and practitioners professing mindfulness in personal, professional, and routine tasks. In India, practices like meditation, yoga, etc., have long focused on the importance of being present at the moment and enriching one's experience.

This blog explores the effectiveness of mindful pauses at work to reduce stress and how a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.

Understanding Mindfulness Practices in the Current Landscape

The modern emphasis on mindful practices also applies today on the professional front, where mental health awareness is at the organizations' core. Mindful habits like taking short pauses between work, deep breathing, taking a short walk, etc., work wonders in alleviating stress and enhancing overall well-being. A recent report reveals that only 14% of Indians feel they are thriving, while 86% acknowledge they are struggling or suffering (Gallup, 2024). This can lead to an unhappy workforce that is stressed, feels unsupported, unappreciated, and has a burnout culture. 

A few years ago, Anisa (name changed), a former Public Relations (PR) Manager at a well-known hospitality and technology firm, experienced significant stressors. The high-stakes environment required quick decision-making, making maintaining a healthy work-life balance challenging. Eventually, the constant stress manifested in chronic burnout, which became a turning point in her life. She switched to journaling and taking mindfulness classes to cope with these challenges. Additionally, the organization supported her by fostering an understanding environment and encouraging mindful breaks at work.

HR practitioners, organizational leaders, and people managers must understand that encouraging mindful habits at work as a standalone practice may fall flat if not incorporated into the broader organizational culture. Employees need to be able to integrate mindfulness into their workflow to address the systematic issue. While organizations in India have started mental health days, breathing exercise sessions, etc., having a one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer to the unique problems of each employee. A generic approach to standard mindfulness sessions led by trainers may not be enough. Context-based strategies to address the stressors for different employees are required. 

See: Mindfulness Training for C-Suite: Leading with Calm Amidst Chaos

While consciously practising mindful habits, like breathing techniques or a quick break, can work for one, it may not work for the other. Individual preferences, personality traits, and mental health conditions play a significant role. Employees also need to be trained and guided to adopt these practices properly. High workloads and tight schedules can make it difficult for employees to find the time for mindfulness practices. Many studies suggest mindfulness training works better when tailored to an individual's environment and challenges. 

Additionally, some companies may operate in high-pressure or stressful environments, making it difficult for employees to adopt a generic approach to mindful habits. Isolated training practices may not be effective unless mindfulness is understood and taught as a valuable tool to navigate real-world stress. For example, while guided meditation may feel soothing, it may be ineffective in the midst of a hectic Monday. Employees must learn how to implement and blend it into their daily lives. Mindfulness is not an easy or quick fix but an ongoing practice that yields results over time. While it may not resolve all employees' challenges, it offers several significant benefits that can contribute to a healthier and more balanced work environment.

Practicing Mindfulness at Work

Setting aside time to take a break after every 2-3 hours at work can help ease your mind and give you a fresh perspective. Mindful habits help you become more conscious of your environment and clear the haze. Working for prolonged hours at a stretch can quickly wear you out and hamper your productivity. Regular practice also helps you develop a better sense of judgment and enhance your decision-making.