Mindfulness at Work

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf" - attributed to Jon Kabat-Zinn

Why Mindfulness at Work?

Stress is an increasing problem for many people in Ireland today. Work-related stress, anxiety and depression account for 18% of sick days taken according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), and more than 80% of Irish workers report experiencing increased stress. Stress itself is linked to serious long-term physical and mental health problems. Multiple rigorous scientific studies have indicated that mindfulness has a positive, measurable impact on stress, physical and mental health and overall wellbeing, as well as boosting the immune system, resulting in less overall need for sick days*.

International Evidence

There is a strong human and business case to be made for mindfulness at work. More and more workplaces globally are recognising the importance of investing in staff wellbeing. For example, international leaders such as Google, Apple and eBay have implemented mindfulness training programmes to increase staff wellbeing. A workplace that actively supports staff to develop and flourish is an organisation that flourishes itself.

Research shows that mindfulness training in the workplace can result in behaviour change and a positive shift in overall culture. A recent international review of over 4,000 scientific studies has found that mindfulness can positively impact on key workplace outcomes (both intra- and inter-personal), including performance, team work, and wellbeing[1].

Mindfulness greatly increases our ability to stay calm and present even in times of stress, allowing us to take perspective and make clear, strategic and emotionally intelligent decisions. This is an invaluable skill for managers and staff teams alike, especially in today’s busy workplace, with so many competing demands on limited time and resources.

In summary, the research suggests that staff and management who practice mindfulness are happier, healthier, get along better, are more engaged and productive and less likely to become stressed or burnt out. Implementing a mindfulness programme in your workplace could be an important step in creating a healthy and supportive work environment and ensuring the happiness and health of the people who work there.

[1] E.g. Chiesa, A. & Seretti, A. (2010). A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations. Psychological Medicine, 40, 1239–1252.

[2] E.g. Good et al. (2016). Contemplating Mindfulness at Work: An Integrative Review. Journal of Management, 42(1), 114-142.

Courses and Workshops

Courses and workshops are bespoke and structured based on the specific requirements and priorities of your group; e.g. a once-off full or half-day workshop, or a series of shorter classes. All courses and workshops are group-based and experiential, and provide education and training, with a focus on using mindfulness for self-care both in the workplace and across all parts of life.

No prior experience of mindfulness or meditation is necessary.

In Mindfulness at Work programmes, participants will receive:

  • Practical mindfulness training through simple experiential guided exercises

  • Education informed by the latest psychological and neuroscientific evidence

  • Skills and experience to use mindfulness to reduce stress reactivity and increase focus, calmness, emotion regulation, concentration and overall wellbeing

  • Materials to take home and use, including handouts and guided meditation recordings

About Jen

Jen Ardis, BA(Hons), HDPsy, MA is a trainer and mindfulness teacher with a Masters in Psychology, and a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. Having practiced mindfulness in her personal life for over 12 years, she trained to deliver Mindfulness-Based Interventions (such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) with Bangor University in 2015. Along with a strong focus on up-to-date scientific evidence, Jen brings more than a decade of experience in group facilitation, training, mental health and education. Jen is based in the Cork area and runs Blue Heron Mindfulness, providing individual and group mindfulness training, courses, retreats and workshops across a range of settings.  

What previous participants have said 

"[The sessions] showed me that there can be a bit of calm in a manic world at any time during the day! The downloads were also very helpful" 

"These sessions provided a relaxed and gentle atmosphere for those looking to learn about mindfulness. I was worried going in, knowing very little about meditation, however the sessions were non-judgmental, open and warm"

"Very good to help deal with stress and helpful in everyday life going forward" 

"Very relaxing - getting in touch with your inner self. Peaceful" 

"I would describe [the sessions] as educational, important and the perfect tools to become more mindful and improve your mental health"

Booking

For more information or to book your free consultation please contact Jen by using the form below, or calling on +353 - (0)86-1578151