Abstract/Summary

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the growing science and application of mindfulness as an intervention within organizations. Design/methodology/approach This is the first in a pair of papers exploring the science and application of mindfulness in organizations. The first section of the paper provides a brief review of the research into mindfulness and its perceived benefits from a health perspective. In the second section, the author considers the neurobiological mechanisms behind mindfulness meditation, before finally considering the organizational research and the limitations of mindfulness at work research. Findings The paper notes that while there has been considerable research into health outcomes, organizational mindfulness research is still developing a comprehensive case for the wide-scale application of mindfulness. Research limitations/implications The paper calls for greater research into organizational mindfulness interventions through collaborations between organizations and consultants. Practical implications The paper calls for organizations to adopt an evidence-led approach to using mindfulness and evaluate its impact on employees and organizational performance. Originality/value The paper provides a starting point for trainers and organizational development professionals to take stock and consider how mindfulness can be employed as a tool for the benefit of organizations.