One of the challenges I’ve observed with MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is that its purpose and value often seem to be understood only by those who have trained in it, been referred by a healthcare professional, or are actively researching its benefits.

As more mainstream organisations begin allocating time for employee mental health practices, there’s often a lack of clarity around the variety of available options—and what each one offers in terms of outcomes for both employees and employers. This, I believe, presents a strong opportunity to more effectively market the unique benefits of this powerful program.

Over the past few years, I’ve often found it challenging to fill MBSR courses with individual participants. In response, I decided to reconnect with former colleagues from my previous career in a multinational software company. I approached their internal Unity group, which supports women in the workplace, with a proposal for an 8-week MBSR program specifically focused on the topic of perimenopause and menopause.

The proposal was grounded in the core principles of MBSR, enriched with current research and best practices in menopause support, and developed in collaboration with UCD Psychology to explore further research opportunities in women’s health.

What made the proposal successful was the combination of addressing a timely and relevant health issue, presenting a strong evidence-based approach, and offering the company an opportunity to lead in enhancing workplace wellbeing for women.

Ten women were offered places on the course, and a waiting list quickly filled up. I delivered this pilot program over eight weeks online, following the standard MBSR curriculum while integrating additional content on mental and physical health supports relevant to perimenopause and menopause.

To evaluate impact, I conducted a survey at both the start and end of the course. The group also included key stakeholders I had identified across various sectors, such as a Women in Leadership Coach, a female Corporate VP, a GP specialising in menopause, a Menopause Coach, and a Professor of Psychology from UCD.

The data revealed meaningful shifts in participants’ awareness of stress, a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care, and a recognition that the course could benefit many other groups across the organisation—regardless of the specific theme attached to the MBSR framework.

Since then, I’ve expanded my offerings to many other groups including MBSR tailored for Active Aging populations, collaborated with a playschool teacher to integrate mindfulness resources into the curriculum for children aged 2–5, and am currently delivering a program called Shift Your Mindset with Mindfulness for individuals navigating periods of personal or professional transition.

If you’d like to learn more or discuss any of the data shared, feel free to get in touch with me at coachcora@outlook.com. Córa Garvey.

This blog was originally written upon request for an article for the MTAI:

https://mtai.ie/mindfulness-in-the-workplace-filling-an-mbsr-course-by-cora-garvey/.