The Role of Mindfulness in Workplace Health & Safety 22nd February, 2019

What we’ll cover The rise of mindfulness and what is driving it What is mindfulness? What are the benefits? Some practice

The awakening of mindfulness

Mindfulness in the workplace

Mental health in the spotlight WHO predicts: Mental illness will be the leading cause of workplace disability & absence by 2030 if not proactively addressed Depression is set to become the 2nd biggest burden on health care resources worldwide in 2020

Our modern-day stress pandemic 2017 NZ Wellness in the Workplace Survey reported stress up 23% compared to previous years Southern Cross Health Society & NZ Business

Some acknowledgment Job stress recognised as a significant occupational hazard (psychosocial risk/hazard) Employers required to account for mental health and people's behaviour when creating a safe workplace

The nature of our minds “I have experienced some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” ~Mark Twain “We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.” ~ Anais Nin

Stone-aged brains in a modern world

What is mindfulness? Paying attention in the present moment, Jon Kabat-Zinn: Paying attention in the present moment, on purpose, and non-judgmentally

Benefits of mindfulness practice Mental Health Reduced symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, lower reactivity and improve emotional regulation Physical Health Increased immune function, lowered blood pressure, increased pain tolerance, improved sleep Cognitive Abilities Improved focus, working memory, cognitive flexibility, creativity and innovative problem solving abilities Relationships Increased emotional intelligence and greater compassion

How mindfulness impacts our brains Prefrontal cortex Left hippocampus Amygdala

Balancing the nervous system Central Nervous System Sympathetic Nervous System Parasympathetic Nervous System Energy producing Mobilising for action (fight or flight) “Doing” mode Energy conserving Rest and repair “Being” mode

Improving attention and focus

Mindfulness = attention training

CIRAS Case Study: MBSR for safety critical workers FGC Catalan: public operator of urban, suburban and regional rail lines with 80 million passengers a year Results: 85% said their attention was ‘higher’ or ‘much higher’ than before the course No operational incidents in 6 month period after course Benefits for drivers include: improved concentration, emotional regulation & resilience and better individual coping strategies for stress & fatigue

A little practice…