Abstract/Summary

Purpose: This paper explores the application of mindfulness in organizational development to provide a useful guide for practitioners in their work as managers, consultants and coaches. Approach: The paper offers practical applications of mindfulness in organizations, specifically its use in leadership development, organizational wellbeing and coaching. Findings: The paper notes a variety of ways in which mindfulness can be applied. While it recognizes that the research into the application of mindfulness at work is under developed, it suggests that through applied organizational research can enhance our understanding. Practical implications: The paper provides insights drawn from practice that can be applied by HR practitioners or consultants addressing modern organizational challenges from workplace stress to developing leaders with greater situational awareness and empathy. Originality: The paper is distinctive in providing a strong practitioners focus and from shifting the focus from the individual towards considering organizational benefits that may be obtained from workplace mindfulness programmes.