Promoting Sustainability: The Effects of Workplace Mindfulness Training

Abstract

Mindfulness training is enjoying growing popularity in workplaces. In the current study, the effects of workplace mindfulness training were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. The study’s novelty value arises from the implementation of workplace training among factory employees and the mixed-methods approach to evaluation. The quasi-experimental design with training and control groups included pre- and postmeasurements and four focus group interviews. The results of the pre-post-test indicated that, compared with the participants in the control group, the participants in the mindfulness-based training group displayed significantly greater increases in mindfulness, positive emotions and hope pathways after training. The findings from the focus group interviews also indicated positive effects associated with relaxation, creativity at work, quality of social interactions and quality of sleep. The participants also perceived challenges in the training, such as inexperience, odd and difficult mindfulness practices, difficulties with home practice, a lack of social support and the demanding features of the environment. These results were discussed in light of the added value of the mixed-methods evaluation approach.