Mindfulness: performance, wellness or fad?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on “mindfulness” as an emerging wellness, performance, and leadership solution in business, and the role of human resources (HR) in effectively leveraging the potential value while minimizing the potential risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews current research and current discussion of mindfulness in business, leadership, health, and management media, and provides recommendations for effective adoption.

Findings

Benefits of mindfulness practices include improved overall health and improved stress management for individuals and correlated benefits in productivity and performance of individuals, teams, and leaders. The potential risks of mindfulness include disengagement of non-participants and wasted investment if not integrated with company practices and culture.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of aligning introduction of mindfulness with company practices and culture, ensuring voluntary participation, providing effective communication, and maintaining a secular nature of implementation.

Originality/value

This paper helps HR leaders leverage mindfulness for performance and wellness of individuals, teams and leaders.

Citation

Altizer, C. (2017), "Mindfulness: performance, wellness or fad?", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 24-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-10-2016-0093