The power of presence: The role of mindfulness at work for daily levels and change trajectories of psychological detachment and sleep quality.

Abstract

In this research, we examined the role of mindfulness for recovery from work using a daily diary design (N ϭ 121; 5 days; 3 measurement occasions per day). The first goal of the study was to investigate the relationship of mindfulness with sleep quality and the mediating role of psychological detachment from a day-level perspective. A second goal was to extend the process perspective in recovery research beyond the day level and consider systematic change trajectories in recovery variables over the course of the work week and the role of mindfulness in these trajectories. Results regarding day-level relationships confirmed that mindfulness experienced during work was related to subsequent sleep quality, and this relationship was mediated by psychological detachment from work in the evening. Furthermore, an investigation of the role of mindfulness in recovery change trajectories supported the idea that psychological detachment trajectories increase over the work week for individuals low on mindfulness while there was no systematic mean-level change for individuals high on mindfulness. In contrast, sleep quality followed a linear increase from Monday to Friday for all individuals, irrespective of their levels of trait mindfulness. Practical and theoretical implications for the mindfulness and the recovery literature are discussed in conclusion.

Employee Well-being and Life Satisfaction in Argentina: The Contribution of Psychological Detachment from Work

“…However, recent findings have shown that personal resources are important to become able to distance from work after a workday. For example, a high level of mindfulness may be necessary to keep mentally focused on the off-job activities once employees leave the workplace which in turn may promote psychological detachment from work (Hülsheger et al, 2014). Accordingly, one would expect that individuals low in mindfulness might find it more difficult to stop thinking about work, even when actively pursuing pleasurable leisure activities during non-work time, as they become less absorbed -which is consistent with the distraction hypothesis (Yeung, 1996).…”

Is Work-Related Rumination Associated with Deficits in Executive Functioning?

“…In respect to work-related rumination for example, workers may be provided with techniques or strategies to help them unwind post work (Cropley, 2015). Interventions in the form of CBT training or mindfulness (Hülsheger et al, 2014; Querstret et al, 2015, 2016) have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of work related thoughts. The present findings suggest that future interventions aiming to reduce work-related rumination should also address the issues relating to central executive functioning.…”

Internet-based instructor-led mindfulness for work-related rumination, fatigue, and sleep: Assessing facets of mindfulness as mechanisms of change. A randomized waitlist control trial.

“…It has also been shown to confer benefits on various wellbeing 3 related outcomes; for example, coping capabilities, purposefulness in life and the experience of positive emotions (e.g., Fredrickson et al, 2008). With regard to occupational health, mindfulness has been shown to be effective in: reducing daily hassles, psychological distress, and medical symptoms (Williams, Kolar, Reger, & Pearson, 2001;Dane, 2011); reducing emotional exhaustion and improving job satisfaction (Hulsheger et al, 2013); increasing employee engagement (Leroy, Anseel, Dimitrova, & Sels, 2013); improving sleep quality (Wolever, Bobinet, McCabe, Mackenzie, Fekete, Kusnick, et al, 2012;Hulsheger, Lang, Depenbrock, Fehrmann, Zijlstra, & Alberts, 2014;Hulsheger, Feinholdt, & Nubold, 2015); reducing perceived stress (Wolever et al, 2012); and increasing psychological detachment from work and satisfaction with work-life balance (Michel, Bosch, & Rexroth, 2014).…”