Year of Publication
2022
College
Public Health
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Committee Chair
Erin N. Haynes, DrPH, MS
Committee Member
Richard Crosby, DrPH
Committee Member
Susan Spengler, MD, MPH
Abstract
Abstract
Recharge Moments: A Pilot Study to Improve Mindfulness in the Workplace
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the physical and mental wellness of public health professionals. Mindfulness has been shown to be a protective factor against poor physical and mental health. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of brief mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the workplace. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a workplace-based intervention consisting of brief MBIs to improve physical and mental well-being.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a one-group pretest-posttest design. A convenience sample of volunteer participants currently employed by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) completed self-administered questionnaires pre-intervention (n=90) and post-intervention (n=43) containing 10-item scales and other questions to assess quantitatively and qualitatively break-time tendencies and burnout factors. The 10-week program was designed for use during designated work hours between October 2020 and January 2021. Effect size and paired sample t-tests were used to compare the means between pre- and post-intervention, and multivariable regression models were used to analyze work location (on-site, remote, hybrid) associations with break-time tendencies, burnout, and MBI use.
Results: Participants showed improvements in break-time tendencies, specifically decreased utilization of breaks to perform work-related tasks (p=0.05) or to think about/discuss work (p=0.0016). A positive correlation was seen between employees who think about/discuss work during breaks and overall burnout score (r=.30 p=0.04). Increased program participation correlated with improved break-time habits (p
Conclusions: Implementing MBIs in the workplace may reduce burnout factors, including stress, and improve break-time tendencies. Simple physical activities (e.g., walking and stretching) may be more likely to be utilized as MBIs.
Public Health Implications: Brief MBIs may be a cost-effective way to reduce stress in the workplace.
Data Source Utilized: Self-reported data were obtained through Survey Monkey questionnaires distributed to LFCHD employees with active email accounts.
Recommended Citation
Keel, Rodney "Scott" ,MD, MPH, "Recharge Moments: A Pilot Study to Improve Mindfulness in the Workplace" (2022). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 344.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/344
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons