When you think of the benefits of mindfulness, what comes to mind? Being present? Reducing stress? Quieting your thoughts? Yes, yes and yes. And now we have evidence that mindfulness puts learners in an optimal engagement and retention zone.

How refreshing in these chaotic times to see a CEO of a $250B company on national television (CBS Sunday Morning) speak about empathy and compassion as a business essential. Since Satya Nadella took the reins from Steve Ballmer to run Microsoft four years ago, he has been on a mission to transform the company’s hard-charging and competitive culture to foster growth. And it’s working.

In these tumultuous times, in which many feel a lack of control, doesn’t it make sense to purposely reduce hostility, incivility and other aggressive behavior wherever we can? The workplace is one of the places where we have this power, utilizing the tools of mindfulness (and other types of training), to minimize negative feelings and aggressive behavior, not to mention initiating a cascade of other positive effects.