Mindfulness at Work is a University-wide series of free, on-campus programs that teach the practice and science of meditation.  Katie Lapp introduced mindfulness programs to Central Administration staff in 2012; the success of that initiative led to Harvard’s now-expanded, cross-campus programming. Mindfulness at Work is only one part of a broader wellbeing strategy to support faculty and staff as they forge their own unique paths to wellbeing. See links at right to learn more.   

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a quality of alert, open awareness. In contrast to a multitasking mind, mindfulness is a state of mind that has the ability to pay attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment. Meditation is a form of mental training and is the foundation of mindfulness practice.  Research shows that meditation can change brain structure, allowing practitioners to engage in their lives with less stress and greater clarity of thought.

What is Mindfulness at Work?

Mindfulness at Work is a series of courses and programs that range from one-hour introductions to in-depth, multi-week courses to topic focused sessions and manager only programs. Available to benefits-eligable faculty and staff, these courses and programs are designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness to the University's diverse community. Participants in Harvard’s on-campus courses report positive results in the areas of productivity, concentration, stress management, a sense of community, and more.

Mindfulness Series

The Office of Work/Life is offering these Mindfulness topics throughout the year: 

• Introduction to Mindfulness (1 hour)
• Mindful Communication (1.5 hours)
• Mindful Eating (1.5 hours)
• Mindfulness and Managing Daily Stress (1.5 hours) 
• Mindfulness and Anxiety (1.5 hours) 
• Mindfulness and Compassion (1.5 hours) 
• 10% Happier (3 weeks, 1 hour per week)
• Exploring the Practice of Mindfulness (6 weeks, 1 hour per week) 
• Working Mind for Managers (8 weeks, 1.5 hours per week) 

How can I bring a specially designed program to my office?

Through local HR partners, departments can request an overview and introduction to mindfulness for staff meetings, special events, or leadership briefings. Departments may also explore options for specially designed four, six, or eight week mindfulness programs to be held on site for their staff.