Running a small business is hard. One of the most challenging aspects is managing employees. And actually that’s true whether it’s a large or small business. At a workshop last week for a national association comprised of small business owners in the government relations area, we drilled down on the problem of keeping employees engaged and productive on the job.

Gallup estimates that disengaged workers cost the economy over $450 billion in lost productivity in the US annually. Another study equates the loss for each disengaged worker at over $2,200 per year. That is your money going down the drain because members of your staff are no longer committed to getting their job done with a sense of meaning and purpose.

One solution that companies like Google, General Mills and Aetna are finding great success with is adding mindfulness strategies to give employees options for reducing workplace stress and increasing focus. Results prove mindfulness makes good business sense because it improves worker performance by increasing focus and creativity. It reduces sick days because of the reduced on the job stress affecting workers. And it also reduces employee turnover because people feel better about their jobs and themselves and are far less likely to leave for another company.

Interested in how to get started to incorporate mindfulness into your workday? Whether you’re the owner, a manager or an individual contributor, the following 3 mindfulness tips can help impact the bottom line where ever you work.

Tip 1. Deep Listening

When having a conversation with a colleague we often listen in order to determine how we want to respond. (I am so guilty of this sometimes…) Deep listening is all about listening to build trust between coworkers. It doesn’t mean acceptance, agreement or approval of what they’re saying or asking. It simply requires acknowledgement to be effective.

Tip 2. Walking Meetings

When you are planning a meeting between 2-4 people that has a goal of finding a solution to a challenge or problem, think about having a walking meeting. Research has proven that the creative output increases up to 60 percent, people get to the point quicker and it increases engagement among employees because it breaks down the organization hierarchies between management levels and staff, too.

Tip 3. Unitasking

Instead of doing multiple things at once, try doing just one thing at a time. I know in many organizations that seems impossible but when you are working projects or deliverables that require accuracy, unitasking increases focus and allows you to do better work in less time.

Check out the infographic from the workshop:

Get your copy of the infographic HERE —>>> 3-mindfulness-techniques

Check out what the executive director of the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics had to say about the Lunch and Learn session:

Send an email to Wilma (at) WilmaJ.com or call (703) 653-0241 for more information on Workplace Wellness Workshops for your organization.