Exploring an Organizational-Level Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Private Workplace Settings
- Marcela Peterson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Bonde et al. (2024)
Keywords: organizational mindfulness, workplace mental health, well-being, emotional regulation, psychological safety
The Study: The study investigates the feasibility of an organizational-level mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) adapted for workplace settings. The research was conducted in four small and medium-sized private companies using a quasi-experimental design without a control group. The intervention consisted of three components: an introductory session on mental health and mindfulness, a 10-week MBSR-based program, and an implementation workshop. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.
Key Findings: The intervention proved feasible in terms of reach and participation, with a high level of employee engagement. Regarding mental health outcomes, only small and non-significant changes were observed, including tendencies toward reduced perceived stress and increased well-being at the 3-month follow-up, which were not sustained at 12 months. However, a consistent improvement was observed in participants’ ability to decenter—observing thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them—both at 3 and 12 months. Organizational results were mixed: there was a short-term reduction in negative acts, but this effect did not persist in the long term. Indicators such as social capital and psychological safety tended to decrease over time.
Practical Implications: The findings suggest that organizational-level mindfulness interventions are feasible, even in challenging contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their effects on mental health and organizational outcomes remain uncertain. The study suggests that these interventions may influence intermediate skills, such as emotional regulation and awareness, more than broader mental health indicators. It also highlights the importance of contextual factors—such as remote work and organizational changes—when evaluating workplace interventions.
Reference: Bonde, E. H., Mikkelsen, E. G., Fjorback, L. O., & Juul, L. (2024). Exploring an organizational-level mindfulness-based intervention in private workplace settings. Mindfulness, 15, 1453–1471.
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