Workplace mentoring and coaching essential to boosting performance, retention and wellbeing, ABM research shows 

Workplace mentoring and coaching programmes are now central to improving business performance, employee retention and staff wellbeing in the UK, according to new research from the Association of Business Mentors (ABM). 

The survey of HR and People Directors from medium and large UK businesses found that 70 per cent of organisations have seen a positive impact on overall business performance from mentoring and coaching. Six in 10 (61 per cent) also reported improvements in employee wellbeing, while 66 per cent said programmes had strengthened retention and talent attraction. 

The findings underline the growing influence of structured people development programmes at a time when employers face retention pressures, skills challenges and rising wellbeing needs. 

The research also shows businesses are adapting their approach as AI becomes more embedded in workplace processes. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of organisations are already using AI in some form to support mentoring and coaching. 

Despite the strong results, the report highlights several barriers limiting the reach and effectiveness of workplace mentoring and coaching. 

The most cited challenges were: 

• Lack of time and availability (47 per cent) 

• Difficulty matching mentors and mentees (39 per cent) 

• Limited budgets and resources (38 per cent) 

HR leaders also expressed a clear appetite for more structure and consistency. Nearly all (98 per cent) believe that accreditation of workplace mentoring and coaching programmes would add value and help improve standards across organisations. 

Georgina Waite, Chief Executive of the Association of Business Mentors, said the findings reflect a shifting workplace landscape. 

“The workplace is changing at pace, and mentoring and coaching should no longer be considered optional,” She said. “Our research shows they strengthen performance, wellbeing and talent pipelines. But access remains uneven and too many organisations face barriers to delivering high-quality programmes. 

“At the ABM, our mission is to raise standards, widen access, and ensure that every employee and business can experience the full impact of mentoring and coaching. By focusing on consistency, credibility and measurable outcomes, we can ensure their benefits are felt across every level of the workforce.” 

In response to the research, the ABM is calling for coordinated action to raise standards and widen access. Its proposals include: 

• A national accreditation system to ensure consistent quality. 

• Stronger collaboration between government, employers, and the mentoring and coaching community. 

• A cultural shift that embeds mentoring and coaching into everyday working life. 

The ABM says these steps are essential to ensure employees at all levels can benefit from mentoring and coaching and to support long-term organisational resilience. 

The full report, Unlocking Impact: Shaping the Future of Workplace Mentoring and Coaching, is available to download from the Association of Business Mentors.