Workplace Coaching and Facilitation of Stress-Management and Well-being in Slovakia

Abstract: The research explored when workplace coaching can facilitate stress management and well-being in corporations in Slovakia. It looked at the challenges and opportunities of workplace coaching through individual and organisational perspectives. It was found that masculine and directive leadership style is present in the organisations. There is an observed lack of leaders’ engagement and interest in employee well-being throughout the organisational culture. Furthermore, some organisation members lack healthy assertiveness and motivation which affect their willingness to change and participate consistently in coaching. The opportunities revealed that the coaching could facilitate stress management and well-being when the alignment and positive collaborative intervention between the coach, coachee and organisational culture occurs. Workplace coaching provides members with practical tools that directly affect employees' stress levels, such as deep self-reflection, meaning-making, value-reflective coaching, mindfulness and somatic techniques. The study indicated that coaching helps develop self-awareness, self-regulation and self-knowledge, which are vital abilities for the sustainable well-being of employees. From an organisational perspective, the employees need to be motivated and supported to integrate the coaching techniques into daily corporate life. The research suggests that coaching, authentic and transformational leadership style and the traits and abilities of emotional intelligence (e.g. adaptability, emotional resiliency, self-awareness, self-motivation, self-worth, social awareness and management) sustain and foster well-being in the workplace. Employees’ engagement and promotion of well-being by the leaders seem to be critical aspects. An integrated narrative-collaborative approach to communication is vital, and the development of strategic well-being measurements and indicators is suggested. The qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with female coaches who are experts in stress management and well-being. They offered their perspectives on their expertise and working experience with international corporations in Slovakia.