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How can coaching help mental balance in the workplace?

How can coaching help mental balance in the workplace? In recent years, not only employees but also managers have been living their daily lives under increasing pressure. After Covid, a global economic uncertainty, the rapid spread of AI and geopolitical turmoil are also affecting the daily workplace mood. These are all external factors that are significantly [...]

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How can coaching help mental balance in the workplace?

In recent years, not only workers but also managers have been under increasing pressure. After Covid, a global economic uncertainty, the rapid spread of AI and geopolitical turmoil are also affecting the daily workplace mood. These are all external factors that have a significant impact on the mental health of workers.

According to a 2024 US survey (Mind Share Partners & Qualtrics), 90% of workers have at least a mild mental health challenge. The most common stressors are politics, world events and personal finances. The same pressures are not lost on managers. According to a 2024 Businessolver survey, more than half of CEOs surveyed have experienced a mental health challenge (e.g. anxiety, burnout, depression).

But where does coaching come in?

How can coaching help mental balance in the workplace?

People instead of systems? Or people in systems?

Most companies now invest in mental wellbeing programmes, but these alone rarely lead to lasting change. In the experience of CoachLab Coaching Services coaching really works when coupled with systems thinking.

This means not only supporting people through individual consultations, but also working with leaders to create the internal environment that allows individuals to flourish. This is where tools such as:

Flexible working options (e.g. 4-day working week)
"Wellbeing champion" támogatói hálózatok
Training for managers to support mental health

The role of identity: not everyone starts from the same place

A coaching process will not be successful if we use a template, but if we understand the effects of individual life situations and identities. A 28 year old career starter experiences anxiety very differently from a manager over 50. Men often find it harder to open up about such issues, while among women it is more natural to talk about mental wellbeing.

With coaching tools we can help everyone to process and communicate what they are experiencing at their own pace, in their own language.

Leaders, listen up: your behaviour matters too

Talán nem is gyanítod, hogy napi szinten milyen nyomást helyezel akaratlanul is a csapatodra. Egy "egyszerű" megjegyzés, egy bizonytalan instrukció, egy feszült e-mail - mind-mind visszahatnak a másik lelkiállapotára.

Here, coaching helps to hold up a mirror to leaders:

What are the patterns that are returning?
Where is there room for more empathic communication?
What makes people feel safe?

The power of personal example

"Nekem is volt olyan időszakom, amikor már nem éreztem kontrollt a napjaim felett. Kiégtem, és azt hittem, csak egy kis pihenés kell majd. De amikor visszatértem, minden ugyanott folytatódott. A coaching segített meglátni, hogy nem a környezetemet kell teljesen megváltoztatni, hanem azt, ahogy én viszonyulok hozzá."

Anonymous case study, from a CoachLab.hu client

How can you increase the effectiveness of your coaching programmes?

Nem elég, ha "megvesszük" a szolgáltatást. A coaching igazi ereje akkor mutatkozik meg, ha az emberek tudnak róla, elhiszik, hogy rájuk szabott, és látják, hogy vezetőik is élnek vele.

According to a recent study (Novartis, 2023), participation in coaching programmes jumped significantly when employees were told anonymous stories about how others had received help.

At CoachLab, we recommend:

Communicate the opportunity transparently
Use real life examples
Show that YOU believe in it too

Final thought: you are also human

Vezetőként hajlamosak vagyunk megfeledkezni arról, hogy nekünk is lehetnek határaink. Egy coaching folyamat nem csak az "elakadt" embereknek segít. Olyan tér ez, ahol megállhatunk, átgondolhatjuk a stratégiáinkat, visszanyerhetjük az irányítás érzését.

The leaders of the new era are not robots, but people. People who dare to reflect, learn and grow.

If you're wondering how to create a more relaxed and harmonious workplace, find out more about executive coaching our programmes or read more on on his blog!

Frequently asked questions

Why is mental health important in the workplace?

Because it has a direct impact on performance, team dynamics and turnover. A balanced employee is more creative and engaged.

How is coaching different from therapy?

Coaching is future-oriented and looks for solutions, while therapy often aims to work through past traumas. Coaching supports you in finding strategies that work and in making progress.

How can I start coaching my team?

First, contact us at CoachLab and we'll see what you really need. We'll put together a personalised programme.

How long does a coaching process take?

This is completely individual - it can be 3-5 focused support, or months of collaboration with managers or teams.

Should the manager be involved in the coaching?

Yes! The most effective programmes are those where the leader not only supports but actively participates in the development - leading by example and building trust.