A PROPOSAL FOR MEDITATION IN THE WORKPLACE By Dawn C. Johnstun

I am proposing to all businesses that they consider offering a meditation instruction program to their employees. Initially this may sound absurd and like a waste of time and money. Before disputing the idea, please allow me to substantiate with sound and reliable evidential research to support such a seemingly “outlandish” proposal. PROPOSAL

Stress In The Workplace To begin with, according to Rebecca Maxon, occupational stress has been defined as a “global epidemic” by the United Nations International Labor Organization. Stress in the workplace costs United States employers approximately $200 billion dollars per year in employees absences, decreased efficiency, staff renewal rate, workers compensation, medical insurance and other stress related expenses (Maxon). Because of the direct impact on businesses some employers, very well known ones at that, have begun offering meditation programs for their employees.

To give some examples, Steve Jobs, whom is well known for pioneering the innovative technologies such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad etc., is one who believed strongly in meditation and its benefits. He not only had his own personal practice and attended meditation retreats but was responsible for introducing free meditation classes to his employees during work hours, as well as yoga classes along with an on-site meditation room.

Another business, The Tower Companies, incorporated a meditation program in their workplace as well. After the majority of their personnel had begun meditating they experienced a dramatic reduction in hospital admissions and doctor visits. Because the decrease in expenses was so substantial at the tune of $20 million dollars, according to Tracy Dyson, the firm’s insurance carrier, Great West Insurance Company not only reduced their insurance premium but agreed to pay 80% of the meditation course fees (Dyson).

Other well known companies that have incorporated meditation and or yoga programs for their employees are: Google, Nike, AOL, Time Warner, McKinsey & Co., Yahoo, Deutsch Bank, Proctor & Gamble, HBO, Hughes Aircraft and many others.

In addition to the extensive and inherently valuable direct health and well being benefits for staff, there are specific benefits for businesses that can include (Dyson):  Reduced cost of absenteeism caused by illness, injury, stress, and long term illness.  Improved cognitive function, including better concentration, memory, learning ability and creativity.  Improved productivity and improved overall staff and business wellbeing.  Reduced staff renewal rate and associated costs.  Enhanced employer/employee and client relationships.  Reduced health insurance premiums for the business.  A visible and tangible corporate responsibility stance.  Enhanced employee job satisfaction.

(Nabi34). Please click on link below for a sample of an “Anti-Stress Music” Meditation By Nabi34.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO DISCUSS A SPECIALIZED MEDITATION PROGRAM FOR YOUR COMPANY PLEASE CONTACT: Wellness In The Workplace Dawn C. Johnstun #

Works Cited Maxon, Rebecca. “Stress in the Workplace: A Costly Epidemic.” FDU Magazine. Fairleigh Dickinson University, Web. 31 Oct Dyson, Tracy, “Meditation in the Workplace.” Tracy Quantum Consulting. 16 April Web. 31 Oct Nabi34. Anti-Stress Music. 10 Oct You Tube. Web. 5 Dec 2012.