A randomized controlled trial of an app-delivered mindfulness program among university employees: effects on stress and work-related outcomes
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered mindfulness-based program (MBP; Headspace®) offered to employees in a UK higher education (HE) institution. Design/methodology/approach Using a randomized waitlist control trial design, participants were randomly allocated to be offered a mindfulness-based program (MBP) immediately for 2 months or after a waiting list period of 2 months (WLC). Data were analyzed using Intention to Treat (ITT; MBP n = 62; WLC n = 63); with supplementary analysis restricting to those who completed all measures; (MBP n = 45; WLC n = 56) and then further restricting the MBP group to those who completed at least foundation level 1 of the app; (MBP n = 31; WLC n = 56). Findings The ITT analysis showed significant increases in several aspects of mindfulness and a significant reduction in perceived stress but no significant effects for work-related outcomes. Analysis restricted to MBP participants who completed the app foundation course showed a similar pattern but in addition showed significant increases in work-life balance and the emotional aspect of job engagement. Practical implications The offer of the Headspace® app in the HE sector may result in reduced perceived stress. If improvements in work-related outcomes are also to be seen, then users need to be encouraged to complete a minimum level of practice. Originality/value Effect size estimates for stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered MBP contribute to the evolving picture of MBPs in the workplace.
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Some studies used commercially available apps not tailored to companies to test their effectiveness among their target group, and effectiveness in stress perception, perceived mindfulness and perceived well-being could be demonstrated.
“Furthermore, some studies used commercially available apps (and, thus, ones not tailored to companies) to test their effectiveness among their target group. Examples of these apps are the Calm app [43, 57] and Headspace. Effectiveness in terms of, e.g., stress perception, perceived mindfulness and perceived well-being could be demonstrated [27, 34, 39, 40].”
From Advantages and disadvantages of mobile applications for workplace health promotion: A scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [40]
Social collaboration and competition among colleagues are highly valued features of mobile apps.
“Social collaboration and competition among colleagues are also highly valued features of mobile apps [40, 56].”
From Advantages and disadvantages of mobile applications for workplace health promotion: A scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [40]
Office workers also perceived this flexibility as positive.
“Of course, office workers also perceived this flexibility as positive [27, 38, 40, 47].”
From Advantages and disadvantages of mobile applications for workplace health promotion: A scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [40]
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- Authors
- Rich, R. M., Ogden, J., & Morison, L.
- Affiliations
- University of Surrey (GB)
- ORCID
- Ogden, Jane
- Venue
- International Journal of Workplace Health Management
- Publisher
- Emerald
- Published
- 2021-02-22
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 201-216
- ISSN
- 1753-8351 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3130390380
- Cited by
- 22
- References
- 48
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3
- FWCI
- 3.42
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Workplace Health Management (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
- Keywords
- mindfulness program, mobile health, occupational stress, university employees, work-life balance, work engagement, work-related outcomes
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