Case Studies from our sessions with clients

The cases below reflect real life examples of our work, we have changed names and other details to protect anonymity.

Henry

Summary

A tendency to overperform and overstep his role caused Henry to experience stress which impacted on his long term physical problem leading to negative absenteeism. A better understanding of how to optimise his performance supported Henry to make positive changes to his behaviours and approach to work.

Problem

An erratic period of ill health lead to Henry over compensating at work causing him to ‘save’ colleagues, take control of other’s responsibilities and insist that tasks were completed to his own high standard. These behaviours contributed to Henry feeling overloaded and a disruptive team member.

Solution

In collaboration with human resources solutions were trialled to improve the management of Henry’s health condition. Wellbeing needs were identified and addressed including sleep hygiene. Role requirements were clarified and agreed with line management. Henry’s reactions to work challenges were explored in relation to perfection thinking and over performance, both contributing to his resilience ‘wobble’.

Outcome

New work boundaries and acceptance of his contributions lead to Henry feeling less stressed and pressurised to overperform. This supported a more focused and sustainable work performance. Henry was also able to contribute and add value to his team’s performance.

Jenny

Summary

A lack of confidence and feelings of stress impacted on Jenny’s ability to fulfilll her new leadership role. The delivery of effective stress management techniques and the dismantling of her ‘imposter syndrome’ boosted her confidence and motivation leading to improved productivity.

Problem

Jenny, recently promoted, lacked confidence as a leader and doubted her skills to fulfill her new role. This was causing her to feel stressed and distracted.

Solution

We quickly identified mentoring and coaching opportunities to support development of leadership’s skills. To tackle immediate productivity issues we challenged her feelings of low self esteem and her thoughts of being a ‘fraud’. Instruction on effective stress management techniques helped to fortify her resilience and embrace creative solutions to work problems.

Outcome

Jenny felt equipped to manage and sustain her wellbeing, empowered to have courage and to see problems as opportunities for learning. As an employee Jenny was more motivated and therefore more productive in her new role.

Tom

Summary

A period of poor mental health affected Tom’s work performance and self esteem. By supporting a period of positive presenteeism Tom felt able to access appropriate health support and actively engage in restoring his work performance and potential.

Problem

Tom was struggling with a period of low confidence, low mood and emotional fragility which affected his resilience and a flawed perception of his capabilities.

Solution

Firstly Tom needed to address his psychological issues and understand his triggers. After discussing his options Tom was supported to access his GP for medical support. In addition we were able to identify strategies to help him stay well whilst remaining in the workplace. We explored Tom’s strengths and skills to facilitate transferring and using these in his current role to utilise his full potential and restore his confidence.

Outcome

Tom’s mental health improved and through support developed his potential. He was able to apply these strategies productively in the workplace to move on from a period of positive preseenteeism to his former high level of performance.

Bethany

Summary

Workload stress hindered Bethany’s ability to work efficiently and diminished her sense of wellbeing. Restoring her work life balance and strengthening her coping strategies improved her confidence and ability to self manage. This lead to better communication with colleagues facilitating an improvement in efficiency and team work.

Problem

Bethany reported feeling dissatisfied with her job, something she had not experienced before. She described symptoms of anxiety and a tendency to become easily upset. This was causing Bethany to underperform and lose her sense of control at work.

Solution

Initially Bethany needed a supportive environment to explore her difficulties. Workload stress had led Bethany to lose a sense of what was reality and what were her perceived work pressures. Practical and simple anxiety and time management techniques helped Bethany to reset her coping strategies. Exploring her work life balance identified changes that strengthened her problem solving abilities and recognition of her strengths and achievements.

Outcome

The introduction of improved support structures and self management of her wellbeing provided Bethany with the energy and motivation to re-engage with her role, communicate more effectively with her colleagues and rebuild her confidence.

Maria

Summary

A pattern of perfectionist thinking reduced Maria’s ability to complete her workload in a timely manner. Exploring her emotional history and work behaviours lead to positive changes in her approach to work, performance and wellbeing.

Problem

Maria expressed a recent loss of confidence affecting her ability to complete her usual workload. This was causing her anxiety as she wished to succeed at work and be considered for promotion.

Intervention

Initial assessment identified a tendency towards perfectionist thinking and and underestimating her skills and achievements. By focusing on techniques to counteract her negative thinking Maria was able to consider time management strategies and develop a better work life balance. Maria was also supported to access additional psychological services.

Outcome

Maria made changes to her daily routine at home and work to aid self-management of her wellbeing. A more positive outlook and sense of control led to improved confidence and work performance.