A Study of the Practice of Contemporary Mindfulness During Work Breaks on Increasing Job Performance Levels in Hospitality Industry

Abstract

Hospitality employees often work under mental and physical pressure long hours which in turns affect their attitudes towards their job and job satisfaction. It has contributed to high staff turnover in the industry and caused major impacts on productivity and profitability. Many hospitality organisations are looking for efficient solutions to increase job performance levels. This study explores the effect contemporary mindfulness mediation during work breaks has on the job performance levels of restaurant employees which will enhance customer satisfaction and brand image of restaurants. Primary research was carried out through a survey to explore the relationship between being mindful and job performance levels of servers in the popular restaurant chain TGI Fridays. The results showed a weak correlation between a server being mindful and their job performance levels but Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as 'Calmness' and 'Focus' provided a stronger connection with scores from the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) . The connection between effective work breaks and job performance levels was also examined which unearthed a greater level of correlation. From the results discovered it is recommended restaurants managers trial alternative ways of improving work breaks for their employees to improve their well-being and ultimately their job performance levels before introducing the costly practice of mindfulness meditation. However, the increasing number of studies showing a positive correlation between mindfulness meditation and job performance levels means hospitality managers should be aware of the practice and possibly incorporate it into schedules of employees in the future.

Keywords: Hospitality Management, Mindfulness, Meditation, Work Breaks, Job Performance Levels, Restaurants