Understanding the experience of midlife women taking part in a work-life balance career coaching programme: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Midlife women currently have the highest ever presence in the workplace with many juggling work with demanding home lives. Women are reporting increased dissatisfaction with their work-life balance yet few studies exist exploring how practical interventions might help. This action-research involved five female participants, based in London, on a career coaching programme designed to improve work-life balance. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis suggested the programme offered a safe place to support women in reconciling work and life roles with their individual values and needs. Through increasing positivity and resilience the coaching enabled participants to define and shape a better work-life balance