2025 SHRM Nourishing Knowledge: Renew & Recharge: Stress Management Through Mindfulness & Self-Compassion

Date: September 12, 2025

Time: Noon-1pm

How much is stress really costing your workforce? Nearly 83% of U.S. workers report suffering from work-related stress. 
Chronic stress and self-criticism can reduce productivity by up to 35%, while increasing burnout, disengagement, and turnover.
Yet only 1 in 5 employees feel their workplace actively supports mental well-being. As HR professionals, you're tasked with shaping environments where people thrive. But what if the key to unlocking performance isn’t more pressure—but more compassion?

Discover how integrating mindfulness and self-compassion into your HR strategy can improve focus, foster resilience, and transform workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand the Science of Self-Criticism, Stress & Productivity

2. Discover easy-to-implement mindfulness practices that help improve focus, reduce distractions, and foster a sense of calm in high-pressure environments

3. Explore how being kind to yourself can boost emotional resilience, enhance interpersonal relationships, and create a healthier, more supportive work culture.

Speaker Bio: 

Matt Kovatchis, CPCC helps people become courageous and kinder leaders by first helping them become kinder to themselves. He’s an expert in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, self-compassion and the founder of Purposely Present Coaching & Consulting.

Matt is a certified mindfulness facilitator, certified professional co-active coach, and self-compassion educator. He’s best known for his dynamic work around conscious heart-led leadership and stress management - guiding leaders to lead with empathy, regulate stress, and build stronger, more values-aligned communities.