Workplace stress is at a record high.

According to the 2023 Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report released Tuesday, nearly half of employees reported feeling a large amount of stress every day at work. 

Though it’s safe to say the pandemic was one of the biggest causes of employee’s workplace stress in recent years, Gallup found another factor that significantly contributed: their managers. 

As workplaces continue to evolve post-pandemic, strengthening the relationship between employees and managers is key to improving performance and creating a successful organization. And for the credit union industry, this couldn’t be more pertinent. 

“A successful credit union starts with its employees,” says Marlo Foltz, vice president of blended learning at CUNA. “If they don’t feel supported, that doesn’t just impact the organization, but the services provided to their members and the community.” 

CUNA has taken that to heart, providing training opportunities for leaders looking to strengthen their connection to their team through interactive coaching training.

“CUNA Coaching Leadership School is becoming one of our staple training programs for leaders and managers. Credit union people leaders join us every year with the desire to better their coaching skills and be a stronger support system for their team,” Foltz explains. “We want to make sure they walk away with plans of action to become exceptional coaching leaders.”

In its five-year history, the program has undergone content shifts and redesigns to adapt to the needs of managers in a time of rapid change—including going fully virtual for two years during the pandemic. This year, CUNA is offering both in-person and online learning options to help make the program more accessible to leaders around the country.

As far as what makes 2023’s program so pertinent, Foltz shares, “We wanted to make sure attendees gain insights into specifically challenging and supporting employees. This year’s school places more of an emphasis on learning how to support individuals who are stuck and need help working through difficult situations.”

Attendees will also be receiving Gallup resources to take back to their credit union. Wellbeing at Work—How to Build Resilient and Thriving Teams is specific to helping teams thrive, including in pandemic-affected workplaces.

One previous attendee stated, “In a very short period, this program shares enough information, tips and real-life experience to get you on a path that could make a big difference in your life and the lives of your team members.” 

To learn more about CUNA Coaching Leadership School, visit the event’s webpage.