This month, Dr. Kenneth Nowack, author of ConsultingTools’ StressScan, talks about how lifestyle modification can be a strategic talent management tool to facilitate both individual behaviour change and organisational outcomes.

In many coaching engagements, it is common to hear employees share challenges and stressors linked to organisational outcomes, including burnout and fatigue. Even though most organisations consider the costs associated with healthcare, they tend to overlook the fact that two-thirds of an organisation’s costs are indirect and carry long-term impact such as absenteeism and reduced productivity.

The increasing prevalence of work-related stress, job-family imbalance and chronic health problems has a direct negative effect on individuals and organisations. However, consultation regarding lifestyle behaviours has seemed to be part of the field of psychologists, physicians and other health professionals- not that of executive coaches. The latter who attempt to improve effectiveness and performance of their clients should consider coaching for lifestyle modification behaviours.

One of a coach’s biggest challenges is to link an employee’s health objectives to the organisation’s productivity and profitability goals. In spite of this challenge, research suggests that investing in the overall health of an employee contributes to the organisation’s bottom-line. Coaches who contract with an organisation with the aim of enhancing individual effectiveness can help focus the behaviour-change effort to provide awareness, skills and motivation to become more productive and healthy.

A comprehensive lifestyle-coaching model based on the latest theories of successful behaviour change suggests successful lifestyle-modification coaching will lead clients systematically through three distinct stages. The latter consist of specific goals and techniques to facilitate successful behaviour change.

Stage 1: Enlighten

Helping clients become more aware of areas of risk and resources can increase readiness for behaviour change and goal definition. A personal stress and health assessment can be an invaluable tool at this step to help coaches facilitate awareness and motivation. Such assessments help clarify lifestyle assets and risks that are associated with health, well-being and productivity. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a useful approach to help clients reflect on and target specific lifestyle goals that need work.

Stage 2: Encourage

This is the stage at which coaches help the client acquire knowledge and skills to initiate and maintain important lifestyle practices and behaviours. Successful behaviour change is in the planning process. The coach's role is to ensure the lifestyle-modification plan is realistic, specific and measurable. The coach should provide an encouraging and supportive role and help clients explore their feelings.

Stage 3: Enable

The third and final phase is critical for the long-term success of lifestyle-modification programs and is often overlooked. During this stage, coaches should help clients manage lapses, recognize successes, enlist the power of social support systems, focus on progress through structured reminders and evaluate overall success.

To find out more about StressScan, click here.

To read the integral article in Talent Management, click here.