A recent study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University and Clemson University found that hope may be more beneficial than mindfulness in helping individuals manage stress and maintain professional engagement during prolonged periods of stress at work. The study suggests that looking forward and maintaining a hopeful mindset, rather than focusing on the present moment, can be more effective in coping with difficult times. The research team conducted the study with 247 professional musicians from the organization MusiCares, which had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mindfulness is often celebrated for its ability to help individuals stay focused on the present moment in a non-judgmental manner. However, the researchers found that during times of stress, being mindful may present challenges as individuals may find it difficult to be fully present when experiencing stress. In addition, dwelling too much on the stressors being experienced may not always be beneficial. In contrast, hope is forward-looking and focuses on the belief that there is a positive outcome to look forward to. The researchers were interested in exploring how hope and mindfulness influenced the well-being and professional attitudes of individuals during difficult times.
The study involved two surveys conducted one month apart, in September and October 2021. The first survey collected data on the participants’ thoughts and experiences during the early months of the pandemic and assessed their levels of hope and mindfulness. The second survey focused on work engagement, emotional well-being, and distress levels of the participants. The results of the study indicated that hope was associated with happiness, while mindfulness was not. Participants who were hopeful reported lower levels of distress, higher work engagement, and less tension related to their professional lives.
The researchers highlighted the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook while also being mindful during periods of prolonged stress. While mindfulness can be valuable in helping individuals stay focused on the present moment, incorporating hope and forward-thinking can provide additional benefits, particularly during challenging times. The study emphasized the importance of organizations incorporating hope and forward thinking into their corporate culture to support employees’ well-being and engagement with work. The researchers suggested that maintaining a hopeful mindset and looking towards positive outcomes can be beneficial across various industry sectors when dealing with high levels of job stress.
The study’s findings reinforce the idea that having happy and engaged employees is important for organizations in all sectors. By fostering a culture of hope and forward thinking, companies can help their employees navigate periods of high stress more effectively. The researchers emphasized the value of incorporating hope into organizational communications, job conditions, and overall corporate culture to support employees in staying positive and engaged with their work. Overall, the study highlights the importance of balancing mindfulness with hope in promoting well-being and professional engagement, particularly during challenging times.
