Relational Mindfulness at Work

The Relational Turn in Mindfulness Research Management and leadership research has explored mindfulness for more than two decades—typically through an individualistic lens, exploring how mindfulness successfully contributes to personal performance, stress reduction, and well-being.  However, a conceptual shift is currently gaining momentum. Recent studies(*) illuminate the relational dimensions of mindfulness—how it unfolds not only within individuals, but between them, in the real-time interactions of organizational life.  Rather than remaining an internal state or individual skill, mindfulness can become infused into workplace relationships—shaping how people listen, respond, and co-regulate in moments of shared presence. In this open lecture, I present recent findings in the field and share insights from my own ongoing research. Key takeaways include: Other-orientation – How can mindfulness shift your focus from self-management to deeper presence with others—opening the door to more compassionate leadership?Mindfulness infusion – What happens when mindfulness is no longer something you do alone—but something that lives in how you listen, speak, and connect at workRelational capabilities – Curious how leaders actually practice mindfulness in the heat of daily work? Discover the micro-moves that build trust, integrity, and responsiveness in relationships. This open lecture offers a fresh perspective on how mindfulness can shape workplace relationships—moving beyond the individual to support connection, compassion, and co-regulation in leadership. Who is this for?This lecture is especially relevant for leaders and managers, HR professionals, and others working to support people and relationships within organisations. Warmly welcomed, Lasse - - - - (*) See for example, Reina CS, Kreiner GE, Rheinhardt A, et al. (2023a) Your presence is requested: Mindfulness infusion in workplace interactions and relationships. Organization Science 34(2): 722. Reina CS, Mills MJ and Sumpter DM (2023b) A mindful relating framework for understanding the trajectory of work relationships. Personnel psychology 76(4): 1187–1215. Urrila LI and Mäkelä L (2024) Be(com)ing other-oriented: Mindfulness-trained leaders’ experiences of their enhanced social awareness. Management Learning 55(2): 273–304. Photo by: Juliana Wolf Garcindo