Group coaching is an effective learning modality to increase employee wellbeing. With group coaching any number of topics relevant to wellbeing (stress reduction, meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, sleep, cognitive endurance, etc.) can be learned through a process in which the coach facilitates topic introduction, goal identification, action setting, and practice & reflection. Core to wellbeing is a sense of belonging[1] and group coaching provides a strong sense of community where individuals can share their human experience in a safe space. Part of the appeal of group coaching is knowing that you have the support of an intimate group, and that you are not alone on your learning and development journey.
Core to wellbeing is a sense of belonging, and group coaching
provides a strong sense of community…
Your organization may be spending oodles of money on wellbeing platforms filled with literature on how to eat, meditate, reduce stress, prioritize time, manage work and life, and so on. You may even provide live workshops on these topics. But how effective is any of this great information without a supporting structure to help your talent implement the learnings and troubleshoot the adjustments? The data is in and research shows, not very effective! Wellbeing apps, EAPs, and wellbeing platforms are all underutilized. In fact, the research shows that users stop accessing behavioral health digital interventions (such as relaxation, mindfulness & meditation apps which are the most common and down loaded apps) within 2 weeks of the initial download.[2] In addition, after we read something, or take a course, we quickly forget it without a reinforcing activity.[3] This is called the ‘Forgetting Curve’, and it’s a very real issue that needs more attention if we want to upskill our organizational talent and enhance employee wellbeing.
A report by the American Society for Training and Development showed that 70 percent of corporate training failure can be attributed to lack of follow-up after the training event.[4] The Wall Street Journal reported that without “practical follow-up or meaningful assessments, some 90% of new skills are lost within a year.”[5] Furthermore, adults are far more task-oriented than ideas-oriented. They tend to learn best through the concrete and not the abstract. Because of this, adult learning should be based on measurable, task-centered learning outcomes, otherwise known as kinesthetic learning.
After we learn something, we quickly forget it
without a reinforcing activity, such as group coaching.
An effective way to increase learning transfer, and ensure new wellbeing knowledge turns into lasting behaviors, is through a post-training and reinforcing activity such as executive coaching and/ or group coaching. To increase learning transfer, what learners need is the space to process, further discuss, and work on the concepts they have just been exposed to. The group coaching process allows for introspection, reflection, goalsetting, and practice.
The post-training activity (such as group coaching) is the most critical part of the adult learning process.[6] Executive coaching has been popular for many years. However, group coaching is gaining in popularity and supports the kinesthetic learning approach that best aids adult learning, and at a significantly reduced price to executive coaching. Group coaching allows the learner the time, in a safe space of peers, to apply recent learnings in real life. In a systematic format, the learner is guided to set goals, agree to actions, and reflect on shared learnings.
Studies have shown the benefits of group coaching are numerous and include: increased productivity, enhanced listening skills, greater emotional intelligence, increased problem-solving skills, more creative thinking, and a stronger sense of community & belonging.[7] Furthermore, with group coaching the learning is multiplied, as members of the group listen& reflect on the perspectives of others.
If you are looking to increase your talent’s wellbeing and gain all the subsequent benefits, consider wellbeing group coaching with experienced health & wellbeing coaches.
Learn more about Front Goose Wellbeing training and development & join the flock in our Group Coaching Program here: https://www.frontgoosewellbeing.com/group-coaching
[1] Haim-Litevsky D, Komemi R, Lipskaya-Velikovsky L. Sense of Belonging, Meaningful Daily Life Participation, and Well-Being: Integrated Investigation. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 25;20(5):4121.
[2] Carlo, A.D., Hosseini Ghomi, R., Renn, B.N. etal. By the numbers: ratings and utilization of behavioral health mobile applications. npj Digit. Med. 2, 54 (2019).
[3] Libby, Drake. “Corporate training is broken; so why are you still doing it?” Training Journal, 14 March 2014.
[4] ibid
[5]Silverman, Rachel Emma. “So much training, so little to show for it.” The Wall Street Journal. 26 October 2012.
[6] Libby, Drake. “Corporate training is broken; so why are you still doing it?” Training Journal, 14 March 2014.
[7] Brown, S. W., & Grant, A. M. (2010). From GROW to GROUP: Theoretical issues and a practical model for group coaching in organizations. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 3(1), 30–45.
