The Effects of Mindfulness on Promoting Employees' Work Meaningfulness and its Mechanisms

Li Bin; Li Xiaohui; Zhang Kaidi; Zhu Qin; Li Aimei

doi:10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250515

PDF(1432 KB)

Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2025, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (5) : 1197-1209. DOI: 10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250515

Social, Personality & Organizational Psychology

The Effects of Mindfulness on Promoting Employees' Work Meaningfulness and its Mechanisms

Li Bin, Li Xiaohui, Zhang Kaidi, Zhu Qin, Li Aimei

Author information +

History +

Abstract

The declining sense of meaningfulness in work has become a critical societal concern, as it directly impacts employees' self-actualization and value realization in professional settings. Although prior studies have predominantly examined external organizational factors, the proactive role of individual psychological processes remains underexplored. Grounded on the mindfulness-to-meaning theory, which posits that mindfulness facilitates meaning-making through cognitive-affective pathways, this research investigates how mindfulness enhances work meaningfulness via two mediating mechanisms: cognitive reappraisal and savoring.
The research employed a dual-method approach comprising a cross-sectional survey (Study 1) and an intervention experiment (Study 2). In Study 1, 407 Chinese employees completed validated scales measuring mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale), cognitive reappraisal (Emotional Regulation Questionnaire), savoring (Savoring Beliefs Inventory), and work meaningfulness (Work and Meaning Inventory). Study 2 adopted a 2 (group: intervention vs. control) × 2 (time: pre-test vs. post-test) mixed design with 60 participants. Both groups underwent baseline measurements identical to Study 1. The intervention group then received a 7-day mindfulness program led by a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor, featuring core practices such as breath awareness, body scans, and loving-kindness meditation. The control group received no intervention. Post-test measurements were conducted after 7 days after the training.
Study 1 found a significant positive relation between mindfulness and work meaningfulness (b = .338, 95% CI = [.253, .424]). Furthermore, the indirect effects of cognitive reappraisal (Ind1 = .128, 95% CI = [ .066, .201]) and savoring (Ind2 = .090, 95% CI = [.044, .147]) on the relationship between mindfulness and work meaningfulness were also significant. Therefore, cognitive reappraisal and savoring were observed to partially mediate the relationship between mindfulness and work meaningfulness. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in effect sizes between the two mediators (Diff(Ind1-Ind2) = .038, 95%CI = [- .129, .051]). These findings were replicated experimentally in Study 2. In Study 2, the mindfulness (t = 3.22, p < .01), cognitive reappraisal (t = 4.55, p < .001), savoring (t = 2.97, p < .01), and work meaningfulness (t = 3.65, p = .001) of the intervention group participants were all observed to improve after a 7-day brief mindfulness training. Additionally, a significant positive effect between mindfulness and work meaningfulness was found (b = .463, 95% CI = [ 262, .664]). The indirect effect of cognitive reappraisal (Ind1 = .137, 95% CI = [.041, .261]) and savoring (Ind2 = .087, 95% CI = [ .007, .189]) on the relationship between mindfulness and work meaningfulness was found to be significant. Hence, cognitive reappraisal and savoring were once again determined to partially mediate the relationship between mindfulness and work meaningfulness. There was no significant difference in effect sizes between the two mediators (Diff(Ind1-Ind2) = .050, 95%CI = [- .213, .102]). Both studies showed that there was a significant positive effect between mindfulness and work meaningfulness, which was mediated by cognitive reappraisal and savoring. Besides, the results of study 2 confirmed the findings of previous research that mindfulness can be enhanced through a short-term intervention training.
This research advances the literature on work meaningfulness through three key contributions. First, it shifts the focus from external organizational determinants to the proactive psychological processes of employees, demonstrating that mindfulness can cultivate work meaningfulness, thereby complementing traditional "top-down" approaches. Second, it extends the mindfulness-to-meaning theory to the organizational field by revealing dual mediation pathways through cognitive reappraisal and savoring, which enable individuals to reframe challenges and amplify positive experiences. Third, it challenges the deficit-reduction paradigm in mindfulness research by highlighting its capacity to proactively foster adaptive behaviors rather than merely mitigate negative states. The research also holds significant practical implications. It demonstrates that a 7-day mindfulness intervention significantly enhances work meaningfulness, offering organizations a cost-effective tool for employee development. Employees can leverage brief mindfulness training to autonomously strengthen meaning perception through habitual cognitive reappraisal and savoring practices.

Key words

work meaningfulness / mindfulness / cognitive reappraisal / savoring

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

Li Bin, Li Xiaohui, Zhang Kaidi, Zhu Qin, Li Aimei. The Effects of Mindfulness on Promoting Employees' Work Meaningfulness and its Mechanisms[J]. Journal of Psychological Science. 2025, 48(5): 1197-1209 https://doi.org/10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250515

References

[1] 郭永玉. (2022). 弗洛姆人本主义精神分析的启蒙价值. 心理学报, 54(2), 205-218.
[2] 胡文文. (2021). 正念与负性情绪反应:心理及生理机制. 心理学进展, 11(11), 2539-2545.
[3] 李斌, 朱钦, 贺汝婉, 李爱梅, 卫海英. (2023). 死亡凸显对消费者体验性消费选择偏好的影响及其作用机制. 心理学报, 55(2), 301-317.
[4] 李泉, 宋亚男, 廉彬, 冯廷勇. (2019). 正念训练提升3~4岁幼儿注意力和执行功能. 心理学报, 51(3), 324-336.
[5] 刘霞, 卫武. (2024). 职场正念的人际影响及作用机制. 心理科学进展, 32(6), 981-994.
[6] 马君, 张锐. (2022). 权重望寡:如何化解低地位领导的补偿性辱虐管理行为? 心理学报, 54(5), 566-581.
[7] 倪丹, 刘琛琳, 郑晓明. (2021). 员工正念对配偶家庭满意度和工作投入的影响. 心理学报, 53(2), 199-214.
[8] 任志洪, 张雅文, 江光荣. (2018). 正念冥想对焦虑症状的干预:效果及其影响因素元分析. 心理学报, 50(3), 283-305.
[9] 孙琳, 段涛, 刘伟, 陈宁. (2021). 特质正念对初中生学业情绪预测偏差的影响. 心理学报, 53(11), 1203-1214.
[10] 王彪, 王珍珍, 刘兴华. (2024). 融合中国诗词的线上自助正念干预的可行性及对参与者依从性的影响. 心理学报, 56(8), 1110-1124.
[11] 王小琴, 谈雅菲, 蒙杰, 刘源, 位东涛, 杨文静, 邱江. (2023). 情绪调节灵活性对负性情绪的影响:来自经验取样的证据. 心理学报, 55(2), 192-209.
[12] 王伊萌, 张敬敏, 汪凤炎, 许文涛, 刘维婷. (2023). 勿以善小而不为:正念与智慧——社会善念与观点采择的链式中介. 心理学报, 55(4), 626-641.
[13] 谢慧, 林轩怡, 胡婉柔, 胡晓晴. (2023). 情绪调节促进负性社会反馈的遗忘:来自行为和脑电的证据. 心理学报, 55(6), 905-919.
[14] 许丽颖, 王学辉, 喻丰, 彭凯平. (2024). 感知机器人威胁对职场物化的影响. 心理学报, 56(2), 210-225.
[15] 尹奎, 张凯丽, 李秀凤. (2019). 工作重塑对工作意义的影响:团队任务绩效、领导-成员交换关系差异化的作用. 管理评论, 31(3), 143-153.
[16] 章凯, 时金京, 罗文豪. (2020). 建言采纳如何促进员工建言:基于目标自组织视角的整合机制. 心理学报, 52(2), 229-239.
[17] 赵娜, 马敏, 辛自强. (2017). 生命意义感获取的心理机制及其影响因素. 心理科学进展, 25(6), 1003-1011.
[18] 周浩, 龙立荣. (2004). 共同方法偏差的统计检验与控制方法. 心理科学进展, 12(6), 942-950.
[19] Autin K. L., Herdt M. E., Garcia R. G., & Ezema G. N. (2022). Basic psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and meaningful work: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Career Assessment, 30(1), 78-93.
[20] Bailey C., Madden A., Alfes K., Shantz A., & Soane E. (2017). The mismanaged soul: Existential labor and the erosion of meaningful work. Human Resource Management Review, 27(3), 416-430.
[21] Bailey C., Yeoman R., Madden A., Thompson M., & Kerridge G. (2019). A review of the empirical literature on meaningful work: Progress and research agenda. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), 83-113.
[22] Banks J. B., Welhaf M. S., & Srour A. (2015). The protective effects of brief mindfulness meditation training. Consciousness and Cognition, 33, 277-285.
[23] Berg J. M., Wrzesniewski A., Grant A. M., Kurkoski J., & Welle B. (2023). Getting unstuck: The effects of growth mindsets about the self and job on happiness at work. Journal of Applied Psychology, 108(1), 152-166.
[24] Biskas M., Cheung W. Y., Juhl J., Sedikides C., Wildschut T., & Hepper E. (2019). A prologue to nostalgia: Savouring creates nostalgic memories that foster optimism. Cognition and Emotion, 33(3), 417-427.
[25] Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822-848.
[26] Bryant, F. (2003). Savoring Beliefs Inventory (SBI): A scale for measuring beliefs about savouring. Journal of Mental Health, 12(2), 175-196.
[27] Bryant, F. B., & Smith, J. L. (2015). Appreciating life in the midst of adversity: Savoring in relation to mindfulness, reappraisal, and meaning. Psychological Inquiry, 26(4), 315-321.
[28] Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (1984). Dimensions of subjective mental health in American men and women. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 25, 116-135.
[29] Bryant F. B.,& Veroff, J. (2017). Savoring: A new model of positive experience Psychology Press A new model of positive experience. Psychology Press.
[30] Bryant F. B., Chadwick E. D., & Kluwe K. (2011). Understanding the processes that regulate positive emotional experience: Unsolved problems and future directions for theory and research on savoring. International Journal of Wellbeing, 1, 107-126.
[31] Chen L., Li X., & Xing L. (2022). From mindfulness to work engagement: The mediating roles of work meaningfulness, emotion regulation, and job competence. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 997638.
[32] Chu, S. T. W., & Mak, W. W. (2020). How mindfulness enhances meaning in life: A meta-analysis of correlational studies and randomized controlled trials. Mindfulness, 11, 177-193.
[33] Clark, D. A. (2022). Cognitive reappraisal. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(3), 564-566.
[34] Crego A., Yela J. R., Gómez-Martínez M. Á., & Karim A. A. (2020). The contribution of meaningfulness and mindfulness to psychological well-being and mental health: A structural equation model. Journal of Happiness Studies, 21(8), 2827-2850.
[35] Cropanzano R., Keplinger K., Lambert B. K., Caza B., & Ashford S. J. (2023). The organizational psychology of gig work: An integrative conceptual review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 108(3), 492-519.
[36] Desbordes G., Gard T., Hoge E. A., Hölzel B. K., Kerr C., Lazar S. W., Olendzki A., & Vago D. R. (2015). Moving beyond mindfulness: Defining equanimity as an outcome measure in meditation and contemplative research. Mindfulness, 6, 356-372.
[37] Dreisoerner A., Junker N. M., & Van Dick R. (2021). The relationship among the components of self-compassion: A pilot study using a compassionate writing intervention to enhance self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22, 21-47.
[38] Eby L. T., Allen T. D., Conley K. M., Williamson R. L., Henderson T. G., & Mancini V. S. (2019). Mindfulness-based training interventions for employees: A qualitative review of the literature. Human Resource Management Review, 29(2), 156-178.
[39] Falkenström, F. (2010). Studying mindfulness in experienced meditators: A quasi-experimental approach. Personality and Individual Differences, 48(3), 305-310.
[40] Fay D., Strauss K., Schwake C., & Urbach T. (2023). Creating meaning by taking initiative: Proactive work behavior fosters work meaningfulness. Applied Psychology, 72(2), 506-534.
[41] Ford J., Klibert J. J., Tarantino N., & Lamis D. A. (2017). Savouring and self-compassion as protective factors for depression. Stress and Health, 33(2), 119-128.
[42] Frankl, L. (1963). Self-preservation and the development of accident proneness in children and adolescents. The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 18(1), 464-483.
[43] Frieder R. E., Wang G., & Oh I. S. (2018). Linking job-relevant personality traits, transformational leadership, and job performance via perceived meaningfulness at work: A moderated mediation model. Journal of Applied Psychology, 103(3), 324-333.
[44] Gardi C., Fazia T., Stringa B., & Giommi F. (2022). A short Mindfulness retreat can improve biological markers of stress and inflammation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 135, 105579.
[45] Garland E. L., Farb N. A., R. Goldin P., & Fredrickson B. L. (2015). Mindfulness broadens awareness and builds eudaimonic meaning: A process model of mindful positive emotion regulation. Psychological Inquiry, 26(4), 293-314.
[46] Goh, E., & Baum, T. (2021). Job perceptions of Generation Z hotel employees towards working in Covid-19 quarantine hotels: The role of meaningful work. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 33(5), 1688-1710.
[47] Gross, J. J., & John, O. P. (2003). Individual differences in two emotion regulation processes: Implications for affect, relationships, and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(2), 348-362.
[48] Harman H. H.(1960). Modern factor analysis. University of Chicago Press..
[49] Hayes, A. F. (2017). Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression-based approach. Guilford press.
[50] Hu, J., & Hirsh, J. B. (2017). Accepting lower salaries for meaningful work. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 189707.
[51] Iwasaki Y., Messina E. S., & Hopper T. (2018). The role of leisure in meaning-making and engagement with life. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(1), 29-35.
[52] Karayaman, S. (2024). The alienating effect of technology: Does technological innovation cause work alienation? Journal of Management and Economic Studies, 6(2), 204-218.
[53] Kiken L. G., Lundberg K. B., & Fredrickson B. L. (2017). Being present and enjoying it: Dispositional mindfulness and savoring the moment are distinct, interactive predictors of positive emotions and psychological health. Mindfulness, 8, 1280-1290.
[54] King L. A., Hicks J. A., Krull J. L., & Del Gaiso, A. K. (2006). Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(1), 179-196.
[55] Kipfelsberger P., Raes A., Herhausen D., Kark R., & Bruch H. (2022). Start with why: The transfer of work meaningfulness from leaders to followers and the role of dyadic tenure. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 43(8), 1287-1309.
[56] Klussman K., Nichols A. L., & Langer J. (2020). The role of self-connection in the relationship between mindfulness and meaning: A longitudinal examination. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 12(3), 636-659.
[57] Lauzon, A., & Green-Demers, I. (2020). More of a good thing is even better: Towards a new conceptualization of the nature of savouring experiences. Journal of Happiness Studies, 21(4), 1225-1249.
[58] Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
[59] LeBlanc S., Uzun B., & Aydemir A. (2021). Structural relationship among mindfulness, reappraisal and life satisfaction: The mediating role of positive affect. Current Psychology, 40(9), 4406-4415.
[60] Lepisto, D. A., & Pratt, M. G. (2017). Meaningful work as realization and justification: Toward a dual conceptualization. Organizational Psychology Review, 7(2), 99-121.
[61] Li B., Lei L., Wang S. J., & Li F. J. (2022). Expanding the experiential advantage model: Exploring the mediating roles of a sense of meaning and moderating effects of motivational autonomy. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 39(4), 317-332.
[62] Liu S., Xin H., Shen L., He J., & Liu J. (2020). The influence of individual and team mindfulness on work engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2928.
[63] Maddock A., Hevey D., D'Alton P., & Kirby B. (2019). A randomized trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with psoriasis patients. Mindfulness, 10, 2606-2619.
[64] Martela, F., & Pessi, A. B. (2018). Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 363.
[65] Mistler L. A., Ben-Zeev D., Carpenter-Song E., Brunette M. F., & Friedman M. J. (2017). Mobile mindfulness intervention on an acute psychiatric unit: Feasibility and acceptability study. JMIR Mental Health, 4(3), e7717.
[66] Nasso S., Vanderhasselt M. A., Schettino A., & De Raedt R. (2020). The role of cognitive reappraisal and expectations in dealing with social feedback. Emotion, 22(5), 982-991.
[67] Ngo L. V., Nguyen N. P., Lee J., & Andonopoulos V. (2020). Mindfulness and job performance: Does creativity matter? Australasian Marketing Journal, 28(3), 117-123.
[68] Park, C. L., & Folkman, S. (1997). Meaning in the context of stress and coping. Review of General Psychology, 1(2), 115-144.
[69] Poon, K. T., & Jiang, Y. (2020). Getting less likes on social media: Mindfulness ameliorates the detrimental effects of feeling left out online. Mindfulness, 11(4), 1038-1048.
[70] Rabiul M. K., Rashed K., & Rashid H. O. (2024). Transformational leadership style and psychological safety to meaningful work: Moderating role customer incivility. Journal of Management Development, 43(1), 49-67.
[71] Reb J., Narayanan J., Chaturvedi S., & Ekkirala S. (2017). The mediating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship of mindfulness with turnover intentions and job performance. Mindfulness, 8, 707-716.
[72] Rehman A. U., You X., Wang Z., & Kong F. (2023). The link between mindfulness and psychological well-being among university students: The mediating role of social connectedness and self-esteem. Current Psychology, 42(14), 11772-11781.
[73] Rosso B. D., Dekas K. H., & Wrzesniewski A. (2010). On the meaning of work: A theoretical integration and review. Research in Organizational Behavior, 30, 91-127.
[74] Samios, C., & Khatri, V. (2019). When times get tough: Savoring and relationship satisfaction in couples coping with a stressful life event. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 32(2), 125-140.
[75] Sawyer K. B., Thoroughgood C. N., Stillwell E. E., Duffy M. K., Scott K. L., & Adair E. A. (2022). Being present and thankful: A multi-study investigation of mindfulness, gratitude, and employee helping behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107(2), 240-262.
[76] Shapiro S. L., Carlson L. E., Astin J. A., & Freedman B. (2006). Mechanisms of mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(3), 373-386.
[77] Steger, M. F. (2012). Making meaning in life. Psychological Inquiry, 23(4), 381-385.
[78] Sthapit E., Björk P., & Jiménez Barreto J. (2021). Negative memorable experience: North American and British Airbnb guests' perspectives. Tourism Review, 76(3), 639-653.
[79] Teasdale J. D., Moore R. G., Hayhurst H., Pope M., Williams S., & Segal Z. V. (2002). Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 275.
[80] Wilson J. M., Weiss A., & Shook N. J. (2020). Mindfulness, self-compassion, and savoring: Factors that explain the relation between perceived social support and well-being. Personality and Individual Differences, 152, 109568.
[81] Wilson, K. A., & MacNamara, A. (2021). Savor the moment: Willful increase in positive emotion and the persistence of this effect across time. Psychophysiology, 58(3), e13754.
[82] Wong P. T., Arslan G., Bowers V. L., Peacock E. J., Kjell O. N. E., Ivtzan I., & Lomas T. (2021). Self-transcendence as a buffer against COVID-19 suffering: The development and validation of the self-transcendence measure-B. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648549.
[83] Wu R., Liu L. L., Zhu H., Su W. J., Cao Z. Y., Zhong S. Y., Liu X. H., & Jiang C. L. (2019). Brief mindfulness meditation improves emotion processing. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 13, 482990.
[84] Yagil D., Medler-Liraz H., & Bichachi R. (2023). Mindfulness and self-efficacy enhance employee performance by reducing stress. Personality and Individual Differences, 207, 112150.
[85] Yan, N., & Halpenny, E. A. (2021). Savoring and tourists' positive experiences. Annals of Tourism Research, 87, 103035.
[86] Zeidan F., Gordon N. S., Merchant J., & Goolkasian P. (2010). The effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on experimentally induced pain. The Journal of Pain, 11(3), 199-209.
[87] Zhou Q., Sacramento C., & Martinaityte I. (2023). Work meaningfulness and performance among healthcare professionals: The role of professional respect and participative management. Journal of Business Research, 163, 113908.