Business Success
Explore why some business leaders practise Transcendental Meditation, what workplace research has measured, and what cannot yet be concluded about leadership, decisions or organisational performance.
Ray Dalio founded Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest and most successful hedge funds. He has practised Transcendental Meditation for over 50 years, describing it as “the single biggest influence” on his success. Dalio has described personal benefits from the practice. This is his own account; it does not establish that TM caused his business success or that others will experience the same effects.
Building Success from Within
Business success depends on far more than technical ability. Leaders face constant demands on attention, judgement and emotional resilience. Stress can narrow thinking, reduce creativity and make effective leadership more difficult. Some business professionals use Transcendental Meditation as a way to manage stress. Research has examined stress and wellbeing outcomes in particular workplace groups, but it does not establish that TM increases clarity, energy, resilience, judgement or consistency of performance for business professionals generally.
Scientific Research on TM and Business Performance
Research has examined Transcendental Meditation across stress, psychological wellbeing and some health and cognitive outcomes. Such findings may prompt questions about demanding workplaces, but they cannot be assumed to demonstrate improved leadership, productivity or decision-making unless those outcomes are measured directly.
Transcendental Meditation, Workplace Stress and Burnout
A small randomised controlled trial involving staff at one therapeutic school reported reductions in perceived stress, depressive symptoms and burnout over four months. It did not directly measure productivity, decision-making, leadership, teamwork or overall business performance.
✓ Randomised Controlled Trial
✓ Conducted with working employees
✓ Published in a peer-reviewed medical journal
✓ Significant reductions in stress, depression and burnout
Explore Related Topics
Peak Performance
Learning & Achievement
Wellbeing & Health
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Ready to Learn More?
If you are considering Transcendental Meditation for yourself, a leadership role or your organisation, a free information talk offers an opportunity to examine the evidence, understand how the technique is taught and discuss its possible relevance to your working environment.