The overwhelming majority (85%) of coach practitioners report clients are requesting help with mental wellbeing – a need that is increasingly seen in retail employees, according to a new report from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
However, only 26% of coaches indicate that more than half of their clients seek assistance in this area, highlighting the growing importance of mental health coaching.
ICF Australasia director, Tim Sprague said, “Mental health is fast becoming a priority in retail, where stress, burnout, and fast-paced environments can impact employee well-being and thus, customer experience. This report highlights an opportunity for more businesses to adopt coaching programs that support mental wellness, resulting in happier employees and customers.”
The report identifies mindfulness, visualisation and meditation as the most utilised techniques to support client wellbeing. Yet self-reflection, self-growth and self-care are most effective but used less frequently.
“In the retail sector, often store managers are on their own, in addition to the mental health challenge, they are geographically isolated from regional managers who are not face to face with them daily, unable to check in regularly in person,” Sprague said.
There’s a growing trend for recognition of employee support, which is indicated in the report, showing how businesses are making strides in supporting employee mental wellbeing, with 53% of coaches observing an improved return on investment from initiatives. With this, retail employers should be making a conscious decision to integrate mental wellbeing initiatives to improve staff morale and engagement.
While more than three-quarters (77%) of practitioners feel they have adequate resources to address mental wellbeing, the report suggests that increased collaboration and sharing of effective strategies could lead to better outcomes for both the employee and consumer.