JAMA Netw Open

Digital meditation reduces employee stress and enhances well-being

January 16, 2025

Study details: This randomized trial evaluated the effects of a digital meditation program compared with waiting list control on general and work-specific stress. The study included 1,458 employees at a large academic medical center who reported mild to moderate stress. Participants were randomized to either a digital meditation program (Headspace) or a control group. The intervention group was instructed to meditate for 10 minutes daily over 8 weeks.

Results: Participants using the digital meditation program showed significant improvements in perceived stress and job strain at 8 weeks compared with the control group, and these benefits were maintained at 4 months. Greater engagement with the app (5-9.9 minutes/day) led to even more substantial stress reduction.

Clinical impact: Digital mindfulness programs appear to be an effective and scalable method for reducing stress and improving well-being among employees. Physicians might consider recommending such programs to patients experiencing work-related stress.

Source:

Radin RM, et al. (2025, January 2). JAMA Netw Open. Digital Meditation to Target Employee Stress: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39808431/