The buffering effects of virtual coaching during crisis: A quasi-experimental study of changes in well-being, work, and social outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

We examined the buffering effects of virtual coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a pre-post quasi-experimental design, we compared change in well-being, social behaviour, and work outcomes for coached and non-coached samples (n = 1,005). We found that post-COVID outcomes were generally more positive for those who received coaching: they experienced positive gains in optimism, life satisfaction, authenticity, and productivity while those who did not receive coaching experienced a decline in those outcomes. Further, those who received coaching experienced larger growth in resilience and social connection. Changes in work engagement did not differ by group.

Keywords

• coaching
• covid-19
• intervention
• well-being
• productivity