Stress in the Work Place
The turn of the 21st century has brought significant change to workplaces of every field. Companies have begun to invest in amenities that improve the office environment so that their employees are as comfortable as possible doing their jobs. We have seen offices go from grey high-walled cubicles and a simple coffee machine, to open-concept, bright and fully equipped with everything needed for optimal working conditions. Among perks such as free meals, extensive insurance benefits, built-in gyms, lavish restrooms complete with showers, and on-site healthcare, some companies have invested in mindful practice opportunities for their employees. Offices are typically high-stress environments because of work-related pressures, and huge companies such as Aetna and Google have prioritized and implemented stress-management programs for their employees in an effort to boost business productivity and workplace morale.
By investing in yoga and meditation programs that promote deep diaphragmatic breathing, workers report lower stress levels, higher mental focus, and fewer depressive episodes. The CEO of Aetna in fact, believes that “if we can create a healthier [employee], we can create a healthier world and a healthier company.” These programs also allow for better relationships between employers and their employees because of the degree of inclusivity and thereby promotes a friendlier work environment. All of these benefits encourage stability in the employees because they are able to balance work and life properly and feel comfortable dedicating themselves to the company they work for because of the company’s compassion. Mindfulness in the workplace stemming from a simple practice such as deep breathing poses a great benefit to the economy and society as a whole.