THEORETICAL UNDERPINNINGS ON MINDFULNESS OF EMPLOYEES IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR – A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE

Author (s) : A.Vaishnavi, Mrs.S.Vimaladevi & Dr.V.Sivakumar

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Abstract :
In recent years, the concept of mindfulness has garnered much interest in the business and research world. It is seen as an effective technique to improve mental health and well-being of employees. Studies have shown that mindfulness practice can also increase employee productivity at work. However, the application of mindfulness for employees in the hospitality sector is still in its nascent stage. Drawing on the available literature on mindfulness in the hospitality industry, this paper attempts to consolidate the evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness practice on employees in this volatile and dynamic sector. The hospitality industry, with its prime focus on service, is one of the most demanding and stressful workplaces for employees. This review paper discusses in detail the role of mindfulness in helping hospitality employee’s deal with stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and emotional labor, peculiar to this industry. Covid-19 has increased the levels of stress and insecurity in the industry and consequently the absenteeism turnover ratio. This paper corroborates the effectiveness of mindfulness practice in lowering absenteeism levels and turnover intention. It also attempts to synthesize evidence on the relationship between mindful employees and work environments. This review also examines the various mindfulness-based intervention theories. This synthesized literature has implications for hospitality managerial practice, human resource policy development, employees at all levels in the hospitality industry, business coaches/trainers, educationists, students pursuing hospitality management, and for researchers. It provides a basis for further research regarding mindfulness effectiveness in various segments of the hospitality industry and designing mindfulness interventions in the hospitality sector

Keywords : Mindfulness, mindfulness impact, mindfulness practice, hospitality, hotels, restaurants, mindful employees

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 204

Paper ID : IESMDT202