News: Mindfulness programs can help middle managers avoid burnout

Employee Engagement

Mindfulness programs can help middle managers avoid burnout

A study by Singapore Management University (SMU) and partners found that high-stress levels and subsequent burnout are normal among middle managers.
Mindfulness programs can help middle managers avoid burnout

According to a study, “Overworked and Under-Resourced: A Mindfulness Intervention for Middle Manager Well-Being,” mindfulness training programs can be beneficial for the well-being of middle managers.

The study was carried out by an international team of researchers from the Singapore Management University (SMU), the Hanken School of Economics in Finland, and three US universities- Providence College, Virginia Commonwealth University and Pepperdine University.

The study highlights the middle managers experience a higher level of stress and emotional exhaustion as they deal between senior executives and frontline employees. 

To determine if mindfulness training can help improve the well-being of middle managers, the study by SMu and partners examined 130 middle managers across four large organizations in Finland. Participants were randomly assigned to either an adapted eight-week program in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or to a wait-listed control group.

The study found that compared to the control group, middle managers who completed the mindfulness training program reported tangible reductions in stress levels and emotional exhaustion, which are critical drivers of burnout.

The participants in the study also reported increased levels of psychological detachment, implying that mindfulness training can improve well-being by helping employees maintain a distance from challenging or flustering work issues. 

Current findings of the study show that a relatively short mindfulness training programme can help middle management leaders and possibly other categories of employees as well.

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Topics: Employee Engagement, Life @ Work

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