Mindfulness at the office
What is mindfulness?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, mindfulness refers to “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something”.
When placed into the context of a working environment, mindfulness can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use mindfulness as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How to practice mindfulness at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of mindfulness at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice mindfulness through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing mindfulness within your own office space.
Practice active listening
Practicing active listening is one of the first steps you can take to practice mindfulness at the workplace. Why, you wonder?
Most individuals have a routine to keep to when working at the office. They probably have to check, clear and send out some emails at the start of the day. Subsequently, they work towards clearing items off their checklist.
However, it is important that when attempting to practice patience, one ensures they are listening actively. It’s in the little things. Mind your body language. Keep all distractions away. Maintain eye-contact with your colleague who is speaking with you. Nod, smile and keep yourself approachable before, during and after the conversation.
Understand the situation they find themselves in. Place yourself in their shoes. It’s the best way to get to know what they are going through.
When dealing with multiple projects, practicing patience can be implemented through the act of actively listening to those around you. How so? Offer to help those who may struggling with their workload. Empathise with your co-workers and offer a helping hand whenever you can!
And that’s active listening can help one to practice the workplace value of mindfulness!
Take your breaks
One can also foster mindfulness at the workplace simply by taking your breaks.
As with hardworking individuals, they tend to give their everything into work. They put their heart and soul into every project. They don’t stop, though. They’re always striving for more. However, it is important that these individuals pause to take a break and relax.
Think about it: if you work non-stop, you’re bound to overwork yourself and others at some point! As such, know when you should lift your feet off those pedals. Encourage others to do the same. Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth.
Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders, if and when you can. If you can’t seem to help either, take a break together. It’s highly possible that teammates working together have burned their energy collectively too.
Learning to relax is an important part of the process of becoming mindful. One needs to acknowledge the fact that he/she is not a machine and needs a break every now and then too. Accepting this fact and taking a chill pill is one other way you can practise the workplace value of mindfulness at the office!
Adopt a growth mindset
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of mindfulness is by adopting a growth mindset. Create some room for your colleagues to approach you with feedback about the way things are being done at work.
Take the initiative to make others feel like you are approachable and easy to talk to. Ensure that you listen actively when they come to speak with you. Encourage one another to share feedback. It is the road to improvement, after all.
Paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their ideas too. Ask questions in return to ensure that you have indeed understood what their suggestions are all about. Brainstorm together to improve on these ideas too.
Take criticisms in the right spirit. Seek advice and clarifications. Remember the big picture and work hand-in-hand with your colleagues to improve current situations. Offer your thoughts and get more heads thinking on the matter too.
When everyone will pitch in more whole-heartedly and you’d be practicing the workplace value of mindfulness in no time!
What’s next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of mindfulness. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice mindfulness at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
