Breath breaks: Workplace wellbeing intervention
- May 13
- 1 min read
In this research study presented at the Western Academy of Management Conference, our team partnered with a financial services organization in the USA as well as a health innovation company to explore how a 21 day wellbeing intervention using a health device and app can help employees with mindful breathing leading to improved HRV as well as organizational outcomes.
Abstract: Employee wellbeing is increasingly recognized as essential for sustained high performance, yet few studies have examined brief physiological interventions in daily work contexts. In a 21-day field study, using a hand-held health device and app, we investigate the effects of resonant breathing, a mindful breathing technique that synchronizes the heart and lungs and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Drawing on self-regulation and ego depletion theories, we propose that breath breaks replenish regulatory resources via enhanced heart rate variability (HRV). Across five measurement points, we test HRV as a mediator and trait resilience as a moderator of the relationship between resonant breathing and employee wellbeing and performance. This research advances understanding of biometric-based interventions that promote individual and workplace outcomes.
Citation: Lassu, R.A., Stuart, B., O’Steen, H. (2026). Breath breaks at work: Exploring the link between resonant breathing and employee wellbeing and performance. Western Academy of Management Annual Meeting. 11-14 March, 2026. Santa Fe, NM.
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