It has been a great joy and privilege serving to offer mindfulness tips, training and curriculum at Public Allies of Arizona this year. As I come to the closing of my term of service I’ve been invited to share some additional tips on how to address the implementation of mindfulness related practices within an organization. Here are 4 relevant aspects to consider when aligning with what mindfulness research is suggesting: 
 
 
1)   Mindfulness practices are not a fix-all for organizational issues, however the benefits can be a conduit to creating an uplifting work culture that also provides opportunities for healthier ways to reflect and acknowledge areas for improvement within the organization. Also a likely benefit is inspiring quality work, and improvement in the personal lives for your employees. 
 
2)   It is essential for an organization to have a genuine interest and intention to promote a wellness minded work environment. This means that from the top down that the workforce is proactive in supplementing parts of their workday or work week with taking adequate breaks, and efforts towards bringing balanced awareness to being present in the work that’s being done.  If an organization is actually open to promoting and adhering to work life balance, the result could be a positive outcome for workplace retention and improved employee satisfaction. 
 
3)   Know that stress is inevitable in work and peoples’ daily lives. And, that an organization can benefit by taking small yet frequent steps towards managing tension and overwhelm without spending a significant amount of money to do it. 
 
It is suggested that maintaining regular practice of mindfulness will likely bring the awareness needed to instill healthier habits, improve emotional resilience and focus.  It can be as simple as making time for mindfulness moments a part of the culture. This particular element is a shout out to the Lodestar Center at ASU. During our weekly staff meetings we implemented mindfulness moments for the staff. This allowed me to guide mindfulness meditation techniques and harvest an environment of acknowledging and accepting peace and calming breathing exercises. The feedback shared from continuing this practice has been very positive and is a real life example of how small and frequent practices are just as meaningful and impactful. 
 
4)   After an organization has made efforts toward mindfulness practices within the workforce, it is also suggested to keep them going. The best results from mindfulness are maintained with continual practice. It is a skill that grows over time.
 
A workforce that practices mindfulness within their organization has the potential to be healthier, and have employees who are more present and productive. Additionally, a workforce that truly shows they care for the wellness of their employees will likely have a happier workforce. I hope these 4 relevant aspects to consider have offered supportive insight and most of all I hope that your organization is either planning to or already implementing a more mindful workforce. 

Jessica Tindal is a recent graduate from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University with her master's degree in Clinical Psychology. In her clinical work she has developed valuable clinical expertise working with families, individuals, and kids across the valley. Additionally, she is in her second year of Allyship serving as Mental Health and Mindfulness Coach with Public Allies of Arizona, Lodestar Center, Arizona State University. Using mindfulness, breathwork, distress tolerance and meditation have been at the forefront of her service work. She is continuing to grow her contribution to mental health awareness throughout greater Phoenix and beyond, while simultaneously sharing her music as a songwriter, composer, performer, and musician.

Image by Lillian Finley.

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