MEDITATION WORKSHOP FOR THE WORKPLACE
Welcome to Cambridge Zen Center's Meditation Program for the workplace. Designed for leaders and individual contributors at companies of all sizes, it offers evidence‑based meditation techniques which can be applied at work and in daily life on an ongoing basis. Our program includes tutorials, discussion and meditation practice geared for beginners with no prior experience.
Founded in 1973, Cambridge Zen Center is one of North America's largest residential Buddhist centers and a proud affiliate of the Kwan Um School of Zen, a global network of over 120 centers in more than 30 countries. Located just three blocks away from Central Square in Cambridge, we've been serving the Boston metropolitan region for over 50 years with authentic Zen Buddhist practice and meditation training.
Our 20,000 square-foot facility houses more than 30 residents and serves an extended community of practitioners. With our commitment to bringing mindfulness to diverse environments we already provide meditation programs at many universities in the Greater Boston area including Harvard University and Boston University, as well as several Massachusetts prisons.
Proven Benefits
Average ROI from
mindfulness programs
Annual healthcare cost savings
Employees reported
reduced stress
Employee
recommendation rate
Significantly decreases cortisol levels and helps manage stress more effectively, reducing burnout rates.
Employees who practice meditation report fewer sick days and higher job satisfaction.
Mindfulness practice strengthens attention span and improves task completion, increasing productivity.
Mindfulness enhances clarity of thought and reduces reactive decision-making
Mindfulness develops emotional intelligence, listening skills and improves team collaboration
Meditation opens mental space for innovative thinking and helps break through creative blocks
Sample Workshop Design
Duration: 60 - 120 minutes
Group Size: A group the space (on-site) can comfortably accommodate
Times: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
| Duration | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Welcome & Context | Settling in and brief introduction |
| 5-10 minutes | What is Zen? | Philosophy & benefits |
| 10-15 minutes | Meditation Instructions | Instructions on posture, breathing and focus |
| 20-30 minutes | Meditation Practice | Sitting and walking meditation |
| 15-20 minutes | Debrief - Q&A | Questions from participants |
| 15-20 minutes | Mindfulness at Work | Tools for focus in stressful work situations and discussion |
| 10-15 minutes | Resources | Resources to establish a personal practice |
| 5 minutes | Closing Remarks | Suggestions to continue practice |
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Practical Information for Organizers
workshop Coordinator
John Kolwaite (Abbot)
Email: abbot@cambridgezen.org
Phone: (857) 390-3403
GETTING STARTED
Please reach out to our workshop coordinator to discuss your company's needs, employee demographics, workplace culture and goals to design your custom meditation workshop.
We match you with an experienced meditation teacher who understands corporate environments and can connect with your employees.
Sessions are conducted at your premises with minimal setup requirements - just a quiet room where employees can sit comfortably.
Participants receive take-home materials and information on continuing meditation practice.
Workshop facilitation
Senior practitioners and teachers from Cambridge Zen Center will facilitate this workshop. They have decades of meditation experience and are adept in guiding groups of varied backgrounds and roles.
facilitY requirements
Space: A quiet conference room or open space with chairs for all participants.
Optional virtual meeting setup: For participants located in a remote setting.
Optional A/V: Lapel or room mic for larger groups.
BOOKING & cancellation requirement
A minimum of 4 weeks is required to reserve your session.
We understand that schedules can change. Cancellations made at least a week in advance are accepted.
Weather related reschedules can be accommodated.
Suggested Donation
$50 per employee (minimum $500 per workshop)
This donation helps support our free community programs, free daily meditation sessions and temple maintenance. Financial assistance available for groups with demonstrated need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cambridge Zen Center different from other mindfulness providers?
Our practices come from an unbroken lineage of Zen masters dating back over 1,000 years, ensuring authenticity and depth unlike typical corporate wellness programs.
Is this program religious instruction?
Our corporate program focuses purely on practical meditation techniques such as attention, awareness, and compassion. While rooted in Buddhist tradition, the content is secular and suitable for any workplace.
Do participaNts require any previous experiEnce or preparation?
We acknowledge that the general population is unfamiliar with Zen meditation and our programs are designed for beginners with no prior preparation required. However, experienced meditators will still benefit from this program. We can design your personalized workshop as per your needs.
Do employees need special clothing or equipment?
Regular office attire in which participants can sit comfortably.
Can we do this virtually?
Yes. We can run fully remote or hybrid sessions and share follow‑up resources.
Are there any physical requirements?
All meditation instruction accommodates different physical abilities. Seating options and modifications can be easily made as per need.
What ongoing suppOrt do you provide?
Participants receive resources and guidance for personal practice. We also offer follow-up or a series of sessions.
We offer daily scheduled meditation sessions at our facility in Cambridge, MA free of charge.
Is CZC a nonprofit?
Yes. Cambridge Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; suggested donations sustain our community programs and public meditation offerings.
We are always happy to connect and answer any questions you have. Please reach out to our Abbot via email or phone.