In Quebec, employers with a payroll greater than $2 million are legally required to invest in employee training. Under the Working Skills Act, commonly referred to as the 1% Training Law, companies must allocate at least 1% of their total payroll toward staff development. This law, introduced in 1996, applies to all Quebec businesses with more than 25 employees. Its purpose is to help organizations strengthen workforce skills, enhance productivity, and promote employee well-being.
One effective way to meet this training obligation is through mindfulness training. Mindfulness training supports mental health, emotional regulation, and focus, making it an increasingly popular option for employers looking to reduce stress and improve performance in the workplace.
Benefits of Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness training benefits both employers and employees. For organizations, it can improve engagement, productivity, and morale, while reducing absenteeism and staff turnover. For employees, it can ease stress, enhance focus, and boost job satisfaction.
Key benefits include:
- Increased resilience and adaptability to change
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- More balanced, rational decision-making
- Improved creativity and focus
- Better team communication and collaboration
- Enhanced emotional well-being
What is Mindfulness Training?
Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining active, open awareness of the present moment—acknowledging thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Over time, mindfulness training fosters self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and improved stress management.
Training can be delivered through group workshops or individual coaching, offered either in-person or online. The goal is to help participants develop practical tools they can apply throughout their workday to improve focus, communication, and emotional balance.
How Can Employers Invest in Mindfulness Training?
Mindfulness Space offers experiential workplace mindfulness workshops that qualify under the 1% Training Law. These workshops introduce evidence-based mindfulness practices with a focus on stress reduction, focus, and emotional well-being.
Employees learn practical techniques that can be easily applied during the workday—helping teams manage pressure, communicate more effectively, and build a calmer, more supportive work culture.
Workplace mindfulness, leadership development, and stress management programs are available both in-person in Montreal and online.
What is the Working Skills Act?
The Working Skills Act (Act Respecting Work Skills) is a Quebec provincial law that regulates workforce development and skill certification. It ensures that workers maintain the knowledge and abilities necessary for a modern, competitive labour market. The law also outlines the shared responsibilities of employers, employees, and educational institutions in supporting ongoing professional development. The Act is administered by the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale.
Employers who do not invest the required 1% of their payroll into eligible training must remit the shortfall as a contribution to the government’s workplace training fund.
Quebec’s strong commitment to lifelong learning ensures that employees have access to quality training opportunities—from government and industry initiatives to private programs like mindfulness workshops—that help strengthen both professional and personal well-being.
Workplace Mindfulness FAQ
Does mindfulness training qualify under Quebec’s 1% Training Law?
Yes. Mindfulness training offered through recognized providers like Mindfulness Space qualifies as eligible workforce training under the Working Skills Act, as it contributes to employee development and well-being.
How can my company claim the 1% training expense?
Employers can claim training expenses by documenting the program content, participant attendance, and invoices. These records are submitted to Revenu Québec or the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale as proof of compliance.
What topics are covered in workplace mindfulness workshops?
Workshops include practical training in stress reduction, mindful communication, emotional regulation, and focus techniques that help teams perform better under pressure.
Can mindfulness training be offered online?
Yes. Mindfulness Space offers both in-person and online sessions, allowing remote and hybrid teams across Quebec to easily access training that fits their schedules.
For more information on how workplace mindfulness training can help your organization, call (514) 360-7205 or contact us.