Mindfulness at organizations: A critical literature review (Part 1)

Purpose: This paper explores the growing science and application of mindfulness as an intervention within organizations.

Approach: This is the first in a pair of papers exploring the science and application of mindfulness in organizations. The first section of the paper provides a brief review of the research into mindfulness and its perceived benefits from a health perspective. In the second section we consider the neurobiological mechanisms behind mindfulness meditation, before finally considering the organizational research and the limitations of mindfulness at work research.

Findings: The paper notes that while there has been considerable research into health outcomes, organizational mindfulness research is still developing a comprehensive case for the wide scale application of mindfulness.

Research implications: The paper calls for greater research into organizational mindfulness interventions through collaborations between organizations and consultants.

Practical implications: The paper calls for organizations to adopt an evidence-led approach to using mindfulness and evaluate its impact on employees and organizational performance.

Originality: The paper provides a starting point for trainers and organizational development professionals to take stock and consider how mindfulness can be employed as a tool for the benefit oforganizations.

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