Most firms offer coaching support but few evaluate its benefits

Almost three quarters of UK firms now offer coaching, most using it to tackle poor performance and general personal development.

The annual learning and development survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) showed an increase in the number of employers using coaching in the workplace.

The survey also revealed that two-fifths offered coaching to all employees, with more than one third offering the service to directors and senior management.

John McGurk, CIPD learning, training and development adviser, said: "Coaching is a win-win situation in workforce development, offering the scope to help employees reach their potential, while improving competitiveness and productivity of the business as a whole."

However, the effectiveness of coaching was only formally evaluated by 8% of firms that offered it. The CIPD said it was working towards improving standards and evaluation methods with the coaching industry.