Work can be a stressful place, and with companies trying to keep an eye on the bottom line while simultaneously improving productivity, many workers may find themselves with more responsibilities than ever before. While there is no way to totally eliminate stress from the workplace, some companies are doing what they can to help employees relax, and many — like those we feature here — are doing that through on-site meditation.
Meditation has been shown to produce a wide range of mental benefits when practiced on a daily basis. Studies have shown that it can actually change how the brain processes information and manages the effects of stress, depression, and anxiety. Those who practice meditation are happier and calmer than their counterparts who don’t, so it’s no surprise that many high-stress businesses are catching on and making meditation a part of their corporate mission.
Apple
It should come as no surprise to those who know a bit about the life of Steve Jobs that meditation has long been promoted at Apple. Jobs often took part in meditation retreats and maintained lifelong friendships with many monks. Apple allows employees to take 30 minutes each day to meditate at work, provides classes on meditation and yoga on-site, and offers the use of a meditation room.
Prentice Hall Publishing
This publishing company gives workers a chance to shake off stress and refocus through meditation. Prentice Hall created a meditation space in their corporate headquarters, which they call the “Quiet Room.” Employees can slip into the space for meditation, prayer, or just a moment of quiet reflection.
One of Google’s original software engineers and head of personal growth, Chade-Meng Tan, spearheaded a program in 2007 called “Search Inside Yourself” which helped more than 500 employees learn how to breathe mindfully, listen to their coworkers, and improve their emotional intelligence. The company also offers meditation space and courses.
Nike
Nike’s motto “just do it” applies to meditation as well. Employees have access to relaxation rooms, which they can use to take a nap, pray, or meditate, and can also take part in meditation and yoga classes without ever leaving the office.
AOL Time Warner
To help employees deal with the stress of longer and busier days, the corporation added meditation classes into the work day. Workers could slip away into a class or a quiet room to help refocus, relax, and refresh themselves.
McKinsey & Co.
The management and consulting firm is embracing meditation as part of an HR strategy aimed at keeping employees happy and healthy. Partner Michael Rennie says, “What’s good for the spirit is good for the bottom line.” In one case, a meditation program developed by McKinsey for an Australian client saved the business more than $20 million.
Yahoo!
Yahoo! offers meditation rooms and free on-site classes, helping employees engage with others who share their interest in a more mindful work day.
Deutsche Bank
Despite seeming traditional, Deutsche Bank has been offering meditation classes and quiet spaces on site for several years, hoping to reduce worker stress and lead to more level-headed thinking.
Procter & Gamble
P&G’s CEO A.G. Lafley is dedicated to his own meditation practice. The company offers a wealth of health and fitness programs that include meditation classes and spaces in their major corporate buildings.
HBO
HBO offers a wealth of resources to help employees stay healthy both mentally and physically, with gyms, free yoga classes, and meditation classes offered in the workplace.