Staying healthy in stressful times
There are stress factors everywhere – in addition to all the possibilities life has to offer, there are duties, dates and short-term tasks which demand a high degree of organisation and flexibility from us. While we still perform at our best during temporary periods of stress, it can leave its marks over a longer period.
According to a current study of SwissLife und YouGov, 80 per cent of the Germans suffer from stress – one third of the respondents have been feeling even more stressed since the beginning of the pandemic. HORSCH as an employer actively takes care for the health and thus the well-being and the motivation of the employees. In this respect, a sustainable and corporate health management is a key component. A company that strengthens its employees, invests in its future.
Key factor mindfulness
Mindfulness offers protection against stress and overstraining. It counteracts working pressure, information overload and the compulsion to multitask. In everyday life, everyone – whether executive, employee or trainee – benefits from short, deliberate training and practical modules. Mindfulness results in less mistakes, more satisfaction, increased creativity and innovational spirit, better recreation and concentration.
To intensify the topic mental fitness at HORSCH, the mindfulness network was founded. In summer 2022 a separate scientific study was carried out within the scope of the project “Mindful Talents”. At the site in Schwandorf, a group of apprentices learned in 7 practical modules consisting of knowledge courses and meditation exercises what the core of mindfulness is: pause, calm down and consciously notice the surroundings without assessing them immediately. Beyond recreation, mental workouts encourage the healthy handling of stress, provide for more clarity and a reflected dealing with one’s own emotions but also with the team and the workload itself.
Mindfulness must not be classified into the sector of esotericism. It rather helps to lay the basis for an authentic, powerful co-operation. The trainings are a kind of toolbox that includes the tools to sustainably cope with challenges, to lead a healthier and happier life as well as to encourage a creative and innovation-friendly environment. It is about developing competences to support an agile and crisis-resistant corporate culture.
Practice required
Mindful behaviour has to be practiced. For our brain is geared towards assessing thoughts, situations or meetings immediately. This reflex limits the cognitive ability, cements thinking habits and impedes innovation. Mindfulness exercises train the attention for the here and now and sharpen the perception for oneself and the surroundings.
The effect of mindfulness-based trainings among the apprentices of the study at HORSCH was very positive: after the training, the participants were less exhausted, more satisfied and more resilient to challenging situations. Sleep was more restful, creativity, innovation spirit and commitment increased. While the stress level of the cardiovascular system declined, they found it easier to concentrate and to keep up attention over a longer period of time.
To take up the success of the “Mindful Talents” project, the 57 new apprentices were given first impulses for more mindfulness during their check-in days at the beginning of their apprenticeship. Right from the start they learn to handle stress in a healthy way and to build up resilience. In the future, the mindfulness network will organise further campaigns and offers to provide the HORSCH employees with the opportunity to further encourage their mental strength and health.