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Mindfulness and workplace safety: an integrative review.

Liu, Zihan; Hoff, Kevin; Baranski, Erica; Snyder, Galen; Flin, Rhona; Lindner, Peggy; Spitzmueller, Christiane

Authors

Zihan Liu

Kevin Hoff

Erica Baranski

Galen Snyder

Peggy Lindner

Christiane Spitzmueller



Abstract

Mindfulness has recently gained popularity in applied settings for the enhancement of workplace safety, especially in safety-critical occupations such as healthcare and construction. In this review, we synthesize existing research across disciplines to establish a theoretical model of mindfulness and safety. Based on 32 empirical studies, we first summarize and critically analyze how mindfulness and safety are conceptualized and operationalized in the literature. We then consolidate empirical findings and conceptual arguments, and draw upon the job demands-resources model to propose a theoretical model that links the basic benefits of mindfulness to safety-related job demands. Specifically, we propose that mindfulness: (a) improves detection of and responses to workplace risks and hazards; (b) enhances concentration and self-monitoring of safety behaviors in cognitively demanding situations; and (c) facilitates more adaptive responses to emotional burdens. We further propose that the mindfulness-safety link can vary across boundary conditions, including personal and contextual characteristics. Our theoretical model serves as a foundation to integrate existing knowledge and guide future research. We conclude by highlighting specific opportunities for researchers and practitioners, to advance research and applications of mindfulness and workplace safety.

Citation

LIU, Z., HOFF, K., BARANSKI, E., SNYDER, G., FLIN, R., LINDNER, P., and SPITZMUELLER, C. 2023. Mindfulness and workplace safety: an integrative review. Journal of organizational behavior [online], 44(8), pages 1263-1282. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2705

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 10, 2023
Online Publication Date Apr 3, 2023
Publication Date Oct 31, 2023
Deposit Date Mar 13, 2023
Publicly Available Date Apr 4, 2025
Journal Journal of organizational behavior
Print ISSN 0894-3796
Electronic ISSN 1099-1379
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Issue 8
Pages 1263-1282
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2705
Keywords Mindfulness; Safety in the workplace; Health and safety; Job demands; Integrative review; Workplace safety
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1911987