A recent study reveals that hope may be more effective than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and maintain professional engagement during prolonged periods of work-related stress. This finding challenges the popular notion that living “in the moment” is always the best approach during difficult times.
The Power of Looking Forward
Researchers from North Carolina State University and Clemson University conducted a study involving 247 professional musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings, published in the journal Stress and Health, suggest that a hopeful outlook is more beneficial than mindfulness for managing stress and maintaining work engagement.
Tom Zagenczyk, a professor of management at NC State’s Poole College of Management and co-author of the study, explains the challenges of mindfulness during stressful periods:
“There’s a lot of discussion about the benefits of mindfulness, but it poses two challenges when you’re going through periods of stress. First, it’s hard to be mindful when you’re experiencing stress. Second, if it’s a truly difficult time, you don’t necessarily want to dwell too much on the experience you’re going through.”
Why It Matters
This research has significant implications for how individuals and organizations approach stress management:
- Personal well-being: Hope was associated with increased happiness and reduced distress.
- Work engagement: Hopeful individuals were more engaged with their work.
- Professional tension: Those with a hopeful outlook experienced less work-related tension.
These findings are particularly relevant in today’s work environment, where prolonged stress is increasingly common across various sectors.
Hope vs. Mindfulness: A Closer Look
The study conducted two surveys one month apart, asking participants about their experiences, thoughts, and levels of hope and mindfulness during different phases of the pandemic. The researchers then analyzed the relationships between these factors and outcomes related to personal well-being and work attitudes.
Kristin Scott, a professor of management at Clemson University and study co-author, summarizes the key findings:
“Fundamentally, our findings tell us that hope was associated with people being happy, and mindfulness was not. And when people are hopeful – and happy – they experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.”
However, the researchers caution against completely dismissing mindfulness. Sharon Sheridan, an assistant professor of management at Clemson and study co-author, suggests a balanced approach:
“Being mindful can be tremendously valuable – there are certainly advantages to living in the moment. But it’s important to maintain a hopeful outlook – particularly during periods of prolonged stress. People should be hopeful while being mindful – hold on to the idea that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Implications for Organizations
While the study focused on musicians during the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers believe their findings have broad relevance across industries.
Emily Ferrise, a Ph.D. student at Clemson and study co-author, emphasizes the value for organizations:
“To the extent possible, there is real value for any organization to incorporate hope and forward thinking into their corporate culture – through job conditions, organizational communications, etc.”
Zagenczyk adds, “Every work sector experiences periods of high stress. And every company should be invested in having happy employees who are engaged with their work.”
As workplaces continue to evolve and face new challenges, this research provides valuable insights into how organizations and individuals can better navigate periods of prolonged stress. By fostering a culture of hope and forward-thinking, companies may be able to improve employee well-being, engagement, and ultimately, productivity.
Test Your Knowledge
- According to the study, which approach was more beneficial during periods of prolonged stress? a) Mindfulness b) Hope c) Both were equally beneficial
- What challenge does mindfulness pose during stressful periods, according to Tom Zagenczyk? a) It’s too time-consuming b) It’s hard to be mindful when experiencing stress c) It requires special training
- What was one of the positive outcomes associated with hope in the study? a) Increased work-related tension b) Higher levels of distress c) Greater work engagement
Answer Key:
- b) Hope
- b) It’s hard to be mindful when experiencing stress
- c) Greater work engagement
