– Demand for mental well-being support becoming widespread –

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 25, 2024 — The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has released new research that shows a growing demand for mental well-being support in the workplace. The study, which surveyed coaches from various backgrounds, found that 85% of those working with clients on mental health issues are seeing a surge in requests for assistance.

The “2024 ICF Snapshot Survey: Coaching and Mental Well-Being” examined the strategies coaches use, the challenges they face, and their confidence in making a positive impact.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Career challenges are on the rise. Coaches reported that 78% of their clients cited career-related challenges as the primary reason they sought coaching, compared to 60% citing personal life issues. This suggests that while work-life balance remains important, career considerations are becoming increasingly significant.
• Organizations are responding to well-being needs. A significant 64% of coaches employed within companies and organizations reported that their employers are investing more in employee well-being compared to five years ago.
• Investments to support employee well-being are paying off. Over half (53%) of coaches said companies are seeing positive results from well-being initiatives. However, 72% of internal coaches indicated that even more training is needed to effectively meet the growing demand for mental well-being support.
• Certain techniques stand out for mental well-being impact. Techniques like mindfulness, visualization, and meditation are common, but coaches find that self-reflection and personalized approaches are often more effective for client mental well-being. Coaches are also expressing a need for more opportunities to share with colleagues about what works and what doesn’t.

The study highlights the growing need for professionals qualified to provide the requested support.

“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 ICF CEO Magdalena Nowicka Mook. “For coaches eager to meet this need and mitigate the burnout epidemic, ICF’s coaching community, accredited training and credentialing, and resources can equip them to embody the gold standard of the profession.” 

Looking ahead, 72% of coaches indicated a desire to expand their capacity to offer mental well-being coaching services. At the same time, coaches are becoming more aware of situations that require different types of intervention based on the seriousness of the client’s need. For example, nearly half (44%) of coaches referred clients to medical professionals or therapists over the last year.

The study emphasizes the importance of equipping coaches with the right tools, resources, and knowledge to effectively support their clients while knowing when to refer them to mental health professionals.

The “2024 ICF Snapshot Survey: Coaching and Mental Well-Being” is the latest study in ICF’s Global Coaching Snapshots research series, conducted for the organization by PricewaterhouseCoopers. ICF is dedicated to empowering coaches globally and promoting the highest standards of practice. This report serves as a crucial step in identifying key trends and areas for development, ensuring that coaches are prepared to meet the growing demand for mental well-being and other types of support in the years ahead.

The executive summary of the study is available on the . Journalists can request a media copy via the contact information below. 

About the International Coaching Federation

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest organization leading the global advancement of the coaching profession and fostering coaching’s role as an integral part of a thriving society. Founded in 1995, its 50,000-plus members located in more than 160 countries and territories work toward common goals of enhancing awareness of coaching and upholding the integrity of the profession through lifelong learning and upholding the highest ethical standards. Through the work of its six unique family organizations, ICF empowers professional coaches, coaching clients, organizations, communities, and the world through coaching. Learn more at coachingfederation.org.

SOURCE International Coaching Federation