Managers’ Stress and Coping Strategies: Participants’ Experiences with the ‘Art of Living’ in Singapore

Studies have identified stress as a central factor that shapes the well-being of employees and impacts on organizational performance. Consequently many organizations have implemented stress management programs, but there is limited literature that explores the real effect on employees. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study focused on a specific program run by the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation in Singapore. The findings identify a preference for coping strategies that can be adopted flexibly to fit the time constraints and lives of workers. While helpful, these coping strategies remain embedded within an organizational and societal context which, itself, can be the source of stress and which remains unchanged. Through looking at the perceived effectiveness of the AOL program, the study assesses the benefits and limitations of techniques as discussed by the participants. In particular, the association between coping strategies and the provision or absence of stress intervention is examined. Implications for further research are discussed.