Exploring the impact of mindfulness training on mitigating workplace burnout: a mediated analysis incorporating job satisfaction

Purpose This study aims to examine whether mindfulness training reduces burnout and enhances work–life balance (WLB) and explores the mediating role of job satisfaction (JS). The research addresses growing concerns about employee well-being (EWB) by evaluating how mindfuinterventions may alleviate stress and improve organisational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 510 respondents and 362 valid responses from IT industry employees in Delhi NCR and Mumbai via an online survey were collected. Validated scales measured mindfulness, burnout, JS and WLB. Regression analyses and mediation models tested direct and indirect relationships among these variables, with JS as a proposed mediator. Findings Results indicate that mindfulness training significantly decreases burnout and increases JS. Furthermore, JS mediates the mindfulness–burnout relationship, explaining 89% of the variance in burnout. In contrast, while mindfulness training directly improves WLB, the mediation effect of JS on WLB was not significant, highlighting the importance of additional organisational factors in managing work–family demands. Research limitations/implications Findings are constrained by a cross-sectional design and sub-optimal measurement properties for the WLB scale. Future longitudinal research should examine how organisational context and leadership styles influence the long-term sustainability of mindfulness programs. Practical implications Organisations should integrate mindfulness training into broader well-being initiatives to reduce burnout and foster JS. However, complementary measures such as flexible work arrangements and supportive leadership are crucial to fully address WLB challenges. Originality/value By quantitatively demonstrating JS mediating role in mitigating burnout, this study provides new insights into how mindfulness interventions shape EWB.