Chris Crossan on mastering mindfulness in the workplace

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of mindfulness has become increasingly prevalent, from apps and articles to corporate training sessions.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell sat down with Chris Crossan, the Welcome Experience Coordinator at Arup, to delve into the topic of mindfulness and how it shapes workplace environments. Chris shared insights into his role and offered valuable tips on integrating mindfulness into everyday work life.

Mindfulness in Modern Workplaces

Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword; it's a growing movement across various sectors. According to Sophie and Chris, applying mindfulness can be particularly challenging for young professionals starting their careers or trying to find balance in fast-paced job environments. Chris's role at Arup includes organizing health and wellbeing activities to help employees manage stress and find that crucial work-life balance.

Chris Crossan's role at Arup

Chris, who has been with Arup for almost three years, detailed his evolving role from an Office Coordinator to a Welcome Experience Coordinator. This transformation reflects a broader shift at Arup toward recognizing and supporting employees' diverse professional needs. Chris's responsibilities now include overseeing "soft services" that enhance the employees' daily experience, from managing the housekeeping and catering teams to organizing an array of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Exciting Events and Initiatives

For those unfamiliar with Arup's approach to workplace wellness, Chris highlighted several unique initiatives. The organization provides a range of activities like acupressure massage sessions and sound baths, which offer staff a chance to unplug and rejuvenate. Moreover, the company's office space is strategically designed to cater to neurodiversity and promote healthy lifestyles, featuring a wellness room, fitness spaces, and even a Lego room for creative breaks.

Simple Tips for Fostering Mindfulness

Chris offered valuable advice for smaller companies looking to integrate mindfulness into their work culture. Simple activities, such as holding group mindfulness sessions, walking breaks, or bringing in healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables to the office, can make a significant impact. The idea is to create moments of pause and creativity that differentiate the workday, reducing stress and fostering a more positive work environment.

Building a Supportive Work Culture

At its core, fostering an environment that promotes mindfulness requires an openness to employee feedback and a willingness to try new initiatives. For those in smaller companies, Chris recommended having open discussions or anonymous surveys to understand team needs and preferences. Networking and collaboration with other organizations can also open doors to new opportunities and ideas.

Conclusion

Integrating mindfulness practices into the workplace can enrich employees' personal and professional lives, creating a fulfilling and supportive work culture. As Chris Crossan suggests, taking simple steps to pause, reflect, and breathe can pave the way for healthier, more productive work environments. Whether you're in a small office or a large corporation, mindfulness offers a path to nurturing your team and fostering a true sense of community.

For more insights and tips on workplace mindfulness, connect with Chris Crossan via LinkedIn or check out Chris's full Future Faces Podcast episode below. Don't forget to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated with the latest episodes and content.