Coaching

What is workplace coaching?

Coaching is a confidential, supportive and goal-focused conversation that helps individuals reflect, develop and move forward with confidence.
Through active listening and thought-provoking questions, a coach helps people explore challenges, identify options, gain new perspectives and take action towards achieving their goals.

Coaching does not provide advice or tell people what to do; instead, it enables individuals to develop their own solutions and build confidence in their decision-making. It is not counselling, therapy, occupational health support, performance management, or formal dispute resolution.

Coaching may be beneficial if you are:

• Preparing for a new role or responsibility
• Managing change or uncertainty
• Looking to enhance your leadership skills
• Building confidence in a particular area
• Exploring career development opportunities
• Working through a professional challenge
• Looking to improve communication, effectiveness or decision-making

Coaching engagements typically consist of up to four one-hour sessions, although the number of sessions may vary depending on individual needs and coach availability.

Our Current Coaching Offer

We are currently prioritising coaching support through our Coaching Through Change programme for managers.

Employees seeking coaching for other development needs may be able to access coaching support from colleagues undertaking a recognised professional coaching apprenticeship (who will be working under appropriate supervision and support). These coaching opportunities are offered subject to availability, and both self-referrals and manager referrals are welcome.

To enquire about availability, please email coaching@essex.ac.uk.

Coaching Through Change

Managing change can be challenging. Coaching Through Change provides dedicated one-to-one support for managers who are leading, implementing or adapting to organisational change.

Available to managers who have completed the University's Change Management e-learning and associated workshop, these confidential coaching sessions provide an opportunity to:

• Explore challenges and concerns;
• Reflect on leadership approaches;
• Build confidence and resilience;
• Develop practical strategies for managing change;
• Consider different perspectives and solutions;
• Identify actions and next steps.

Sessions are delivered by qualified workplace coaches and are tailored to individual circumstances.

Still need help?

For coaching enquiries, email: coaching@essex.ac.uk

For health, wellbeing or workplace adjustment support, please visit the Occupational Health Services page or email: ohquery@essex.ac.uk