THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MINDFULNESS IN ENHANCING WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN REMOTE WORK ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

The abrupt transition to the distance working conditions, which this pandemic (inflicted by the coronavirus) spurred, was sufficient to alter the balance of the working conditions significantly, and necessitate the psychological sturdiness and interpersonal sensitivity. This paper focuses on the issue of how social mindfulness, i.e. the awareness and thoughtfulness of the needs and the views of other people, can enhance the workplace performance and the psychological health of remote employees. Based on the results of the qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews of 30 remote workers in different regions of the industry in Pakistan, the paper examines how social mindfulness is connected to team cohesion, communication efficacy, and individual welfare. The findings have illuminated the connection between socially consciousness practices such as being a good-hearted listener, empathetic, and respectful of others, and their positive association with increased productivity, lower levels of feelings of isolation and more job satisfaction. The study contributes to the existing literature that is currently emerging in the field of mindfulness in organizations by addressing the interpersonal dimension of mindfulness in virtual workplaces. Discussed are implications as far as organizational policy and future research are concerned.

Keywords: Social Mindfulness, Remote Work, Workplace Productivity, Psychological Well-Being, Virtual Teams, Empathy, Communication