HCI Webinar Recap: Character: Integrating Gratitude and Mindfulness to Transform Corporate Environments, with Lori Saitz

In the latest HCI Webinar, D r. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Lori Saitz about integrating gratitude and mindfulness to transform corporate environments. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!

Watch the episode here:

Quick Recap

Jonathan and Lori discussed the importance of integrating gratitude and mindfulness into corporate environments to enhance wellness and self-care, and the crucial role of connection and building community in personal and professional life. They also emphasized the value of expressing gratitude and empathy in the workplace, and the need for leaders to prioritize their own well-being to effectively lead their teams. Lastly, they highlighted the benefits of staying calm and focused in the workplace.

Integrating Mindfulness in Corporate Environments

Jonathan and Lori discussed the integration of gratitude and mindfulness into corporate environments to enhance wellness and self-care. Lori, the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit, shared her mission to help businesses implement wellness programs that improve team well-being and contribute to their bottom line. They also briefly mentioned Lori's transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settling in North Carolina.

Building Interpersonal Connections in Work and Life

Lori and Jonathan emphasized the crucial role of connection and building community in personal and professional life. They highlighted the importance of interpersonal connections, acknowledging the challenges of social isolation, especially during the Covid pandemic. Jonathan shared his privileged experience of maintaining family connection during the pandemic, while pointing out that many people were not as fortunate. They agreed on the significance of fostering a sense of community in the workplace and elsewhere for individuals' mental and emotional well-being.

Gratitude and Mindfulness in the Workplace

Jonathan and Lori discussed the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in the workplace. Lori shared her experience of starting a business, Zen Rabbit Baking Company, where she created a product called The Gratitude Cookie to express appreciation to clients and employees. They emphasized the value of expressing gratitude, even if it's simple, as it can significantly impact relationships and create a positive work environment. They also discussed the misconception that expressing gratitude or being kind is a sign of weakness, and how it can actually strengthen relationships. The conversation ended with a discussion on how to provide more authentic appreciation and connection in the workplace.

Empathy's Impact on Business Productivity

Jonathan and Lori discuss the perception of empathy as a weakness in Western civilization, citing Elon Musk's recent interview. They explore how this lack of empathy affects businesses, leading to increased loneliness, depression, and decreased productivity among employees. Lori emphasizes that companies should care about empathy not just from a human perspective, but also because it impacts their bottom line. They acknowledge that while most people desire empathy in one-on-one interactions, the stress and chaos of business environments can make it challenging to remember the importance of compassion. The conversation concludes with Jonathan asking how leaders can foster mindfulness and wellness in organizations, especially in high-pressure, growth-focused environments.

Leadership and Self-Care Techniques

Lori emphasized the importance of leaders taking care of themselves first to maintain focus and effectively lead their teams. She suggested that leaders should practice grounding and calming techniques to mitigate stress and project a sense of calm, even in difficult situations. Lori compared this to the stability of a redwood tree, rooted in the ground despite environmental challenges.

Gratitude and Its Ripple Effect

Jonathan and Lori discussed the importance of acknowledging and addressing difficult situations, rather than pretending everything is fine. They agreed that a balance needs to be found between being supportive and not ignoring the challenges at hand. Lori suggested starting meetings with a focus on finding gratitude and good things happening in their lives, which can change the energy and improve problem-solving. Jonathan shared a personal experience of a group of friends who had a similar discussion, but later shifted the focus to the good things in their lives, which improved the overall atmosphere. They both emphasized the ripple effect of gratitude on mood, interactions, and physical health.

Mindfulness and Self-Care in the Workplace

Lori and Jonathan discussed the benefits of staying calm and focused in the workplace, with Lori emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and self-care. Jonathan expressed his appreciation for Lori's insights and encouraged the audience to connect with her on LinkedIn. Lori also mentioned her podcast, "Fine as a 4 Letter Word," and her website, zenrabbit.com, where she shares proven habits for staying calm and focused.

Listen to the webinar here: