A 2022 American Psychological Association survey revealed that 92% of U.S. employees prioritize employers who support mental health. In response, organizations are increasingly focusing on mental well-being to attract and retain talent, with 91% having expanded mental health investments in 2024. While organizations have taken many different tactics to meet this expansion, there has been a cultural shift toward one proven approach that is growing rapidly in demand: coaching.

A Coach-Approach for Mental Well-Being

Professional coaching has been on the rise for years, initially recognized for its ability to accelerate professional development for leaders and high performers. Over time, its role has expanded as a powerful tool for attracting, retaining, and advancing talent while creating coaching cultures for organizational success. However, few leaders and HR professionals are familiar with coaching’s capacity to address mental well-being challenges.

While coaching may not yet be what many think of when seeking mental well-being support, it is a natural fit. In fact, in a 2024 survey from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), 85% of coach practitioners reported clients requesting mental well-being support. Coaching provides a structured yet personalized environment where individuals can gain clarity, realign with their purpose, set boundaries, and address resilience and burnout – pervasive workplace challenges today.

I have developed and deployed targeted group coaching programs for workplaces focused on the detection, prevention, and management of burnout.

This program not only strengthens relationships across all levels of the organization but also introduces employees to a coach-approach, empowering them to better anticipate and address mental health challenges. While it doesn’t aim to turn every employee into a coach, it creates a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can proactively navigate and overcome mental health challenges before they escalate.

Proven Success

Recent research has proven the effectiveness of coaching in addressing mental well-being concerns. According to ICF, 83% of clients seeking support for mental well-being reported that coaching met their needs.

In 2021, research from BetterUp Labs, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, showcases the effectiveness of coaching for building well-being and mental fitness and provides a roadmap of the stages of mental health growth.

The return on investment for enhanced, coaching-based mental well-being support is evident: 53% of coaches report that companies implementing these initiatives experience tangible benefits, including reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and higher employee satisfaction. These outcomes highlight the value of a coach-approach strategy for addressing workplace mental health.

Exploring Effective Approaches in Coaching for Mental Well-being

Various coaching approaches for mental well-being are widely used, offering tailored strategies designed to maximize their effectiveness and impact.
 

• Among the most impactful strategies, coaches are trained to work with clients to prompt self-reflection, self-growth, and self-care.
• Mindfulness, visualization, and meditation rank among frequently employed strategies, with approximately 70% of coaches reporting their effectiveness during sessions.
• Fostering social engagement, particularly with peers who have faced similar challenges, is another valuable technique that is most prevalent among coaches who are engaged full-time as an employee (29%) and even higher among those working as both internal and external coaches (31%).

Coaching methods for supporting mental well-being are evolving as the practice becomes increasingly prevalent – and needed. Professionally trained coaches are skilled at applying coaching competencies to tailor their approach. These coaches work closely with clients to address individual challenges, ensuring personalized and effective support.

A Brighter Future for Workplace Mental Well-Being

According to the January World Economic Forum report, “Imperatives for Improving Mental Health Care in 2025” (WEF, 2025), we are facing a global mental health crisis amplified by a chronic shortage of qualified professionals. With only 1% of global health workers dedicated to mental health, adopting coaching along with a coach-approach has emerged as a highly effective workplace solution.

As organizations look ahead to 2025 and beyond, mental well-being is poised to remain a top priority—particularly for emerging talent. Gen Z employees, who report higher levels of stress and burnout compared to older generations, actively seek employers who prioritize their well-being. Companies that invest in coaching not only support their employees’ mental health but also demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth. This investment will foster loyalty, engagement, and cultural strength while enhancing productivity, retention, and overall organizational success!

Author Bio

Ellen Kocher (BSE, MAHWC, ICF MCC, NBHWC) is a Health and Wellness Coach and Consultant. For more information, visit whealthness.ch.

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