Mindful Work Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Mindful Work* by David Gelles about?

*Mindful Work* explores how meditation and mindfulness practices are transforming corporate culture, detailing case studies from companies like Google, Aetna, and Patagonia. The book blends scientific research on stress reduction and focus with practical insights into implementing mindfulness programs, while addressing critiques like "McMindfulness." Gelles argues these techniques boost productivity, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

Q: How does *Mindful Work* compare to *10% Happier* or *The Power of Now*?

Unlike memoir-focused books, *Mindful Work* emphasizes corporate case studies and measurable outcomes. It bridges Eastern philosophy and Western business metrics, offering a tactical guide for organizational change rather than personal anecdotes.

Mindful Work

David Gelles

3.74 (498 Reviews)

Business

Mindfulness

Productivity

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Discover how meditation is revolutionizing corporate America in "Mindful Work." Endorsed by Arianna Huffington and embraced by Google, General Mills, and Aetna, this groundbreaking exploration reveals how mindfulness reduces healthcare costs while boosting productivity. Could ancient Eastern wisdom be the secret weapon of modern business success?

What is Mindful Work by David Gelles about?

Mindful Work explores how meditation and mindfulness practices are transforming corporate culture, detailing case studies from companies like Google, Aetna, and Patagonia. The book blends scientific research on stress reduction and focus with practical insights into implementing mindfulness programs, while addressing critiques like "McMindfulness." Gelles argues these techniques boost productivity, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

Who should read Mindful Work?

Corporate leaders, HR professionals, and employees seeking stress management tools will benefit, as will mindfulness enthusiasts interested in its business applications. The book offers actionable strategies for integrating meditation into workflows, making it relevant for startups to Fortune 500 teams.

Is Mindful Work worth reading?

Yes, for its evidence-based analysis of mindfulness’s ROI, including Aetna’s $3,000-per-employee healthcare savings. Gelles’ dual expertise as a New York Times business reporter and longtime meditator provides unique credibility, though he critically examines commercialization risks like "McMindfulness".

How does Mindful Work suggest reducing workplace stress?

The book advocates daily meditation, yoga breaks, and mindful communication practices. Studies cited show these techniques lower cortisol levels and improve emotional resilience, with examples like General Mills’ mindfulness rooms and Patagonia’s on-site meditation sessions.

What companies are featured in Mindful Work?

Case studies include Google’s Search Inside Yourself program, Aetna’s $3,000/employee cost savings from mindfulness, and Patagonia’s ethically aligned leadership model. Ford and Target’s wellness initiatives are also highlighted.

What is the "McMindfulness" critique in Mindful Work?

Gelles warns against superficial adoption of mindfulness as a productivity hack without ethical grounding. He critiques programs that prioritize profit over employee well-being, using the term "McMindfulness" to describe commodified, ineffective practices.

How does Mindful Work compare to 10% Happier or The Power of Now?

Unlike memoir-focused books, Mindful Work emphasizes corporate case studies and measurable outcomes. It bridges Eastern philosophy and Western business metrics, offering a tactical guide for organizational change rather than personal anecdotes.

What research supports Mindful Work’s claims?

The book cites Harvard and MIT studies showing meditation increases gray matter in brain regions linked to focus. It also references Aetna’s peer-reviewed data on stress reduction and productivity gains.

Can mindfulness improve leadership, per Mindful Work?

Yes: Leaders at Salesforce and LinkedIn use mindfulness to enhance decision-making clarity and empathy. Gelles profiles executives who attribute improved crisis management and team morale to regular practice.

Does Mindful Work include meditation instructions?

A 5-page appendix offers basic breath-focused meditation steps, while the main text advises tailoring practices to workplace contexts (e.g., mindful emails or walking meetings).

How long is Mindful Work, and what’s its structure?

The 304-page book has 10 chapters covering science, case studies, and critiques. Key sections address compassion (Ch. 6), social responsibility (Ch. 7), and future trends (Ch. 10).

Why is Mindful Work relevant in 2025?

With AI-driven workplace stress rising, the book’s focus on maintaining human focus and ethics remains critical. Its blueprint for compassionate leadership aligns with post-pandemic demands for healthier work cultures.

Start Reading Your Way

Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

More like this

Mindfulness

Joseph Goldstein

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

Gill Hasson & Donna Butler

Fully Present

Susan L. Smalley and Diana Winston

Mindful Self-Discipline

Mark Williams and Danny Penman

The Mindfulness in Plain English Collection

Bhante Gunaratana

Wellbeing at Work

Jim Clifton & Jim Harter

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell

The Tao of Sexology

Stephen Thomas Chang

How to Memorize Anything

Aditi Singhal & Sudhir Singhal

Key takeaways

The Mindfulness Revolution in Corporate America

00:00

Steve Jobs meditating cross-legged before addressing Apple devotees in 1981 once seemed radical. Today, mindfulness has transformed from a fringe Buddhist practice to a mainstream corporate wellness strategy embraced by Fortune 500 companies, politicians, and celebrities. This ancient contemplative tradition has found unlikely champions in Oprah Winfrey, Arianna Huffington, and NBA coach Phil Jackson, who credits meditation for his 11 championship rings. The $1.1 billion mindfulness industry grows at 12% annually, fueled by neuroscience research validating what practitioners have known for millennia. What explains this dramatic shift? How did a practice once confined to monasteries become essential in boardrooms? The journey from monastery to mainstream reveals how an ancient wisdom tradition is helping modern workers navigate an increasingly chaotic world - finding both productivity and purpose through present-moment awareness.

From Personal Crisis to Scientific Validation

Breaking the Stress Cycle and Finding Focus

Compassion: The Business Case for Caring

Mindful Leadership for Uncertain Times

Silicon Valley's Mindfulness Movement

From Personal Practice to Global Impact

Explore Your Way of Learning

Mindful Work isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Business. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary

Mindful Work Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Mindful Work into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 7 Insights from Mindful Work in a Nutshell

Distill Mindful Work into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Mindful Work Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Experience Mindful Work through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Mindful Work in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Start your learning journey, now

Download This Summary

Get the Mindful Work summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

Mindful Work by David Gelles Summary

Overview of Mindful Work

Key Takeaways from Mindful Work

Overview of its author - David Gelles

Common FAQs of Mindful Work

Similar books to Mindful Work

More like this

Key takeaways

The Mindfulness Revolution in Corporate America

From Personal Crisis to Scientific Validation