EMCC Romania’s MOZAIC Program: A Tool for Managing Stress and Enhancing Sustainable Performance
MOZAIC is a reciprocal mentoring programme designed and implemented by EMCC Romania and it is dedicated to all the EMCC Members and partners across the globe. The following articles is a subscript of the insights from the recent study conducted by Dr. Andreea Nicolau over our programme.
If you would like to participate in MOZAIC and support our future research please contact the team by email emccro.mentorat@odyssey.today
In today’s fast-moving workplaces, many professionals are under constant pressure to do more with less. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the need to adapt quickly often leave employees feeling stressed and exhausted, which can impact both their well-being and their ability to perform over time.
This is why many organizations are seeking ways to support their employees' productivity without compromising their well-being. One effective approach is mentoring, which can help employees gain clarity, build confidence, and feel supported as they navigate their work challenges.
Recent insights from a study conducted by Dr. Andreea Nicolau in collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) on the MOZAIC reciprocal mentoring program, run by EMCC Romania, suggest that mentoring is more than a development tool—it can also be a practical way to manage stress while supporting performance and well-being in the long run.
What we learned
Mentoring supports performance on the long run
Participants who found the mentoring program helpful also felt more confident in maintaining high performance and well-being over time, even during periods of busyness or challenge.
The relationship matters most
A strong relationship between mentor and mentee was the most important factor in how effective the mentoring felt. When participants trusted and felt supported in their career and psychologically by their mentors, they were more likely to improve their performance.
Confidence and motivation make a difference
Mentoring helped participants feel more confident in their skills, motivated, and gave them a sense of control over their work. This was especially important for those who lacked other forms of support or clear direction at work, as it helped them manage stress and stay engaged.
Organizational support enhances results
When participants felt that mentoring was supported and valued within their organization (in this study, EMCC Romania), the benefits of mentoring were even stronger. This backing helped participants trust the process and stay motivated to grow.
Why these matters
Workplaces today require people to learn continuously while managing complex demands. Without the right support, this can lead to burnout and disengagement. The MOZAIC experience shows that mentoring, when done well, helps people manage stress, stay motivated, and continue to perform and improve their well-being over time.
Practical takeaways for organizations
✓ Include mentoring in the stress management and performance strategy
Mentoring can help people stay productive while caring for their well-being over time.
✓ Use mentoring during times of change
Employees benefit most when mentoring is offered during stressful times, such as transitions, periods of heavy workload, or when team structures change.
✓ Focus on building strong mentoring relationships
Good mentoring is built on trust and both career and psychological support, not just advice.
✓ Train mentors to encourage confidence and ownership
Mentors who encourage reflection on the meaning and impact of the work, and support autonomy, help mentees feel capable and engaged.
✓ Show organizational support
When leaders endorse and support mentoring programs, employees are more likely to engage and benefit fully.
Final Thought
In demanding work environments, mentoring is more than a “nice-to-have.” The MOZAIC program shows that it helps people manage stress, build confidence, and perform well while maintaining their overall well-being over time. Investing in mentoring is an investment in your people—and in the sustainable success of your organization.
Acknowledgment
This article is based on insights from the evaluation of EMCC Romania’s MOZAIC reciprocal mentoring program (2024), conducted with the ethical approval of TU/e.
To learn more about EMCC Romania and the team that facilitated the MOZAIC program, you can visit: https://www.emccglobal.org/news/mozaic-team-of-emcc-romania-strikes-gold-with-highest-accreditation-achievement/
