A new survey by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) shows a growing demand for mental well-being support in the workplace, as professionals increasingly grapple with challenges such as burnout. The 2024 ICF Snapshot Survey: Coaching and Mental Well-Being report highlights the rising importance of mental health in coaching practices and the need for more resources to meet this demand.
The global study, which surveyed coaching professionals across various regions and specializations, found that 85% of coaches report growing calls for mental well-being support from their clients. The research also underscores the increasing significance of career-related challenges, with 78% of clients identifying career concerns as the primary reason for seeking coaching.
“Career challenges are becoming more prominent, surpassing even personal life issues,” the report noted, with just 60% of clients citing personal concerns as a key factor in their coaching sessions.
According to the survey, organizations are responding to this shift. Sixty-four percent of coaches employed within companies or organizations reported that their employers have increased investment in employee well-being compared to five years ago. These efforts appear to be yielding results, with more than half (53%) of coaches noting positive outcomes from well-being initiatives. However, 72% of internal coaches say more training is needed to fully address the demand.
Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO of ICF, emphasized the critical role coaching can play in combating workplace burnout. “As more and more people in the workplace seek to prioritize their mental well-being, coaching is a high-demand and proven method to address challenges,” said Mook. She also highlighted ICF’s commitment to supporting coaches with the tools, training, and credentialing needed to deliver effective mental health support.
The survey also identified the techniques that coaches are finding most effective in addressing mental well-being. While mindfulness, visualization, and meditation remain popular, many coaches noted that self-reflection and personalized approaches often yield better results. There is also a growing recognition of when coaching must give way to other forms of intervention, as nearly 44% of coaches referred clients to medical professionals or therapists in the past year.
The demand for mental well-being support is expected to continue growing, with 72% of coaches expressing a desire to expand their ability to offer services in this area. At the same time, coaches are enhancing their understanding of when to refer clients to specialists, reinforcing the importance of ethical boundaries in the profession.
The report is the latest in ICF’s Global Coaching Snapshots research series, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. It aims to help coaches navigate the evolving demands of their profession while ensuring they are equipped to support clients’ mental health needs effectively.
The International Coaching Federation, which was founded in 1995, represents over 50,000 members in 160 countries. It remains dedicated to advancing the coaching profession and promoting the highest standards of practice.