The need to embed coaching in your people strategy

The global coaching industry has almost doubled in revenue since 2023, and over one in two of global coaching clients are managers and executives, highlighting the importance of coaching in building capability across teams, the International Coaching Federation has said.

Approximately 56 per cent of global coaching clients are managers and executives, highlighting the continuing demand for coaching among middle and senior-level management, the International Coaching Federation found in its 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study.

The federation’s chief executive, Magdalena Nowicka Mook (pictured), said: “For HR teams, this reinforces the need to embed coaching within the wider people strategy, rather than treat it as a standalone benefit.”

“HR leaders need to identify where coaching can create the greatest value, who it should support, and how access can be expanded.”

Certified coaches were highly sought after, with nearly three in four (73 per cent) of coaches reporting that clients have increasingly expected certification or credentials, it found, emphasising the need for organisations to assess standards, ethics and credibility when selecting coaching partners.

“The findings further highlight that coaching is becoming a more established part of how organisations develop leaders, support managers and build capability across teams,” Mook said.

The global coaching industry has grown significantly over the past three years, up 17 per cent since 2023, contributing approximately US$5.34 billion to the global economy over the past year, which is almost double the total revenue from 2023, US$2.85 billion.

In addition, the findings revealed that the number of coach practitioners rose by 13 per cent from 2023 to 122,974, with 90 per cent of whom are serving active clients.

In Asia, 59 per cent of coaches expected an increase in revenue over the next 12 months, with 63 per cent reporting growth in the number of clients.

Further, it found that most professional coaches also offered additional services, including training (60 per cent), consulting (57 per cent), facilitation (55 per cent), and monitoring (49 per cent).

“Coaching is most effective when it is grounded in trust, judgement and the ability to listen deeply to what people and organisations truly need,” she said.

Carlos Tse

Carlos Tse is a graduate journalist writing for Accountants Daily, HR Leader, Lawyers Weekly.

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