Coaching changes lives and provides value for money at Bradford Council: Special techniques help staff to perform at their best

Abstract

Purpose

Examines how the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire, UK, has employed freelance life coaches to help local government staff in their careers and general well being.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a description of the nature and benefits of life coaching from the senior occupational health adviser for the council, Susan Gee. Includes comments from two of the life coaches used by the council, Alison Tempest and Lisa Lawton. Quotes employees who have been able to make positive changes to their jobs and lives thanks to receiving life coaching.

Findings

Discovers that life coaching can lead to a reduction in sickness absenteeism and a lowering of stress levels among employees.

Originality/value

Highlights a creative and innovative way to help employees to stay well and happy at work.

Citation

(2005), "Coaching changes lives and provides value for money at Bradford Council: Special techniques help staff to perform at their best", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 13 No. 6, pp. 12-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730510619268