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 WorkplaceTo 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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgjyculg1O8(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#123-456-7891

Works Cited

Maxon, Rebecca. “Stress in the Workplace: A Costly Epidemic.” FDU Magazine. Fairleigh

Dickinson University, 1999. Web. 31 Oct. 2012.

Dyson, Tracy, “Meditation in the Workplace.” Tracy Quantum Consulting. 16 April 2012. Web. 31

Oct. 2012.

Nabi34. Anti-Stress Music. 10 Oct 2011. You Tube. Web. 5 Dec 2012.