Case Studies
Aetna Inc.
A study conducted with Duke University and the health insurance company, Aetna, showed the personal and financial benefit that mindfulness-based stress reduction practices delivered to its employees and the bottom line. The company had attributed an annual healthcare cost of about $2,000 per employee among those who were highly stressed, compared to others who were less so. As the mindfulness program began to take effect, Aetna employees noted a 28% reduction in stress levels which contributed to healthcare costs falling 7% ($6.3 million) and a $3,000 increase in productivity per employee – a return on investment of 11 to one.
Rochester Primary Care Physicians
According to the American Medical Association, physicians have a burnout rate of between 23% and 48%, depending on their specialty. Researchers in Rochester, New York, offered a group of primary care physicians a continuing medical education series on mindfulness and gauged its immediate and long-term effects. The participants experienced a nearly 30% decrease in burnout, a 35% decrease in depression, and a 15% increase in mindfulness – all of which created more satisfaction for the physicians and more patient-centered care for those they treat.
Rochester Primary
Care Physicians
Fast Company
Jim Barnett, cofounder of the social connection platform Wisq, has this to say in Fast Company,
“Conscious leadership [which is rooted in mindfulness] is about guiding people and teams with awareness, presence, and authenticity. It’s about coming from a place of curiosity and ease. And it’s about asking, listening, and being thoughtful in your interactions. Unconscious leaders, on the other hand, can be reactive, unaware, and not particularly thoughtful, creating drama and undercutting trust. By making a shift to being more conscious, leaders can have a profound impact on their people, culture, and organization. Conscious leadership helps build a culture of thoughtfulness and emphasizes authenticity, inclusion, and trust. It becomes infectious and helps build a happy work culture. Decades of research show that happier employees are more productive. In fact, happier and more engaged workers can lead to 23% higher profits, according to Gallup.”
