Professor of Management Ronald Purser's research on the corporatization of mindfulness practices was referenced in an op-ed discussing Amazon's new "Working Well" program, which the columnist argues is a misguided approach to worker health and wellness.
Purser's research suggests that corporate approaches to mindfulness perpetuate worker exploitation, placing the blame for dissatisfaction on employees while enabling companies to ignore requests for higher wages and better working conditions. The columnist at The Guardian reports that at Amazon, this practice takes the form of "AmaZen" kiosks with interactive mindfulness videos. However, with employees already facing repercussions during strictly timed work days, the op-ed states it is unclear if this measure addresses worker health or simply the reputation of the company.
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