Workplace mindfulness demand and mental well-being among employed adults in Singapore
Bhirau Wilaksono, Julia Raithmayr, Dan Petroianu, R. H. Feng, Marjorie Mamac Quilos, Min Yi Ong, Micah J. Savin, Marina Zahid, Jonas John Posko Amalaraj, Ong Jane Yu Ying, Suresh Rattan, Andrea B. Maier, Hans J. Meij
Discover Public Health September 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s12982-026-02831-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional mixed-methods survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 223 |
| Population | Employed adults in Singapore who could converse in English, recruited via convenience sampling at seven high-traffic locations |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Among 223 employed Singaporean adults, 62.3% scored at or above the PSS-4 threshold associated with elevated burnout risk, and 87.0% would participate in a workplace mindfulness programme if it were held during working hours. Self-reported mindfulness practice was not associated with lower perceived stress (β = 0.12, p = 0.754). The authors argue that individual practice without structured, organisationally embedded programmes is unlikely to be sufficient. |
Abstract
Workplace stress is a growing public health concern in Singapore, yet demand for workplace mindfulness and the barriers and facilitators to its implementation remain poorly characterised. To assess perceived stress, mindfulness knowledge and practices, and the demand for and barriers and facilitators to workplace mindfulness programmes among employed adults in Singapore. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted on 15 June 2024 across seven high-traffic locations in Singapore. Employed adults who could converse in English were recruited via convenience sampling and completed a 17-item survey covering sociodemographics, the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and mindfulness knowledge, practices, barriers, and facilitators. PSS-4 items were scored 0–4, with the two positively worded items reverse-scored (total 0–16). Practitioners and non-practitioners were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test and multivariable regression in R. Among 223 participants, the mean PSS-4 score was 6.13 (SD 2.60; median 6, IQR 5–8), and 62.3% scored at or above the ≥ 6 reference threshold, with moderate stress the most common band (39.0%). Mindfulness was known to 74.0% and practised by 65.9%. Only 37.7% reported that their workplace offered a programme, yet 87.0% would participate if it were incorporated into working hours. Leading barriers were lack of protected time (26.5%) and the absence of organisational programmes (11.7%); leading facilitators were protected time (29.6%) and managerial and peer support. Perceived stress did not differ by practice status (W = 5863.0, p = 0.541) and remained unrelated after adjustment (β = 0.12, p = 0.754). Almost two-thirds of participants scored at or above the PSS-4 threshold associated with elevated burnout risk, and demand for workplace mindfulness was evident, yet participation is limited by a lack of protected time and organisational support. Self-reported mindfulness practice was not associated with lower perceived stress. Because the design was cross-sectional, it cannot establish effectiveness, but it suggests that individual practice, without structured, organisationally embedded programmes, is unlikely to be sufficient.