Work hours have changed, and stress is a big problem. The World Health Organization indicates that stress costs American companies a staggering $300 billion annually. The root cause? Our work-life boundaries have become blurry due to various activities. For example, you might attend work-related video conferences outside of office hours. Therefore, we all feel this pressure.

Fortunately, the issue has potential solutions. An increasing number of companies are developing strategies to overcome stress. One of the most effective among them is mindfulness. It is a relatively easy thing to understand. Think of it as a simple form of meditation. Mindfulness means paying attention to being in the moment. What else? You should observe your thoughts without judgment. This ability is very effective for employers as well as employees.

Big companies like General Mills already use the power of mindfulness. They offer mindfulness training during work hours. This began when Janice Marturano, who dealt with stress in her own life, started practicing mindfulness. Many General Mills employees joined in after the workshops, and now all their buildings have special rooms for meditation.

Mindfulness helps with problem-solving and handling work challenges better. Other benefits of mindfulness include getting more self-aware, focused, and clear-headed. Don’t you think these are essential qualities in the workplace?

One great thing about mindfulness is that it lets you step back and see problems objectively. You can find solutions more easily, seeing the whole picture. For example, if a coworker often misses deadlines, mindfulness can help you understand why. Maybe they have too much work or personal issues. Being empathetic and communicating openly can create a supportive work environment and resolve conflicts. Mindfulness helps us to handle the blend of work and personal life and the stress it brings.