The world is filled with noise, both literal and metaphorical, and there are times when everyday distractions make it difficult or impossible to focus on the task at hand. Consider that, on average, employees check their e-mail 36 times an hour and spend 2 hours each day just recovering from distractions. For many, those disruptions cause stress, which may lead to headaches, fatigue, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and social withdrawal.
Employers will never be able to eliminate workday noise on behalf of their workers, but many have discovered the value of mindfulness for improving focus. Mindfulness helps employees combat distractions by teaching them to understand their feelings in the moment. That allows them to change their relationship with distractions and focus attention where it’s most valuable, thereby increasing capability and reducing stress.
