Research continues to  show how important it is for companies to support their employees’ mental health. Mindfulness is proving to be an excellent resource for workers and a significant contributor to a healthy organisational culture.

The practice of mindfulness contributes to:

• develop resilience, wellbeing and kindness. 

• reduce the bad stress symptoms such as anxiety, overthinking and depression

• bring a state of calmness and creativity

Mindfulness is a tool that we can all implement in our lives. An ability that we already have, but that offers much more potential when we learn to practice it adequately. The different ways in which people can learn to practice mindfulness involve following meditations, but also other exercises that help to integrate an attitude of mindfulness in daily life.

Yoga is one resource that many companies and organisations are bringing to their employees. No matter their shape or fitness level, everyone can do yoga. Taking some time from responsibilities to lay down on the floor, move and breathe with awareness offers itself as a luxury within the work space. And yet it keeps proving itself as one of the best ways to liberate the mind and create a climate of spaciousness and inner calm. Only from here can we all thrive and give our best to what we do and in some occasions, become aware of that rest that was long overdue to the body and the mind.

There is a current debate around the benefits of wellbeing promotion within organisations. While allowing time and space for employees to attend these sessions can be beneficial, it is not a single solution to the many causes of stress and burnout. Elements such as an optimal company culture and essential human rights are basic and cannot be supplemented by wellbeing promotion. However, there is a lot that employees and management can learn and apply from these trainings - which may influence the way they interact with their work environment and within their own personal lives. 

In some occasions, individuals benefit from psycho-education and awareness on what research says about wellbeing. Other times, individuals benefit from experiential training, where they invest time and effort on their own self-knowledge and growth towards a higher potential as employees, leaders and ultimately human beings. Whether it is time to rest or development, wellbeing can contribute to everyone as long as it is done within the optimal environment and with the right intention. 

Below, there are a number of ways in which companies can support their employees on learning mindfulness, practicing yoga and promoting wellbeing within their organisation.