• 73% of UK employees believe that job performance is improved by career coaching - but only 47% feel their boss is an effective career coach 
  • Workplace managers could learn from elite coaches, says Sally Gunnell, OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist 
  • Robert Half identifies four coach types: definitive, collaborative, persuader & diagnostic

London, 19 June 2012 – In anticipation of a summer of sport, with UEFA Euro, Tour de France and Wimbledon competitions capturing the world’s attention, new research from Robert Half, the worldwide leader in specialised recruitment suggests that elite coaching may not be permeating the workplace. According to a survey of 500 office workers in the United Kingdom, nearly three-quarters (73%) say that career coaching helps improve their job performance, yet less than half (47%) feel that their manager is an effective career coach. Other cited benefits of career coaching includes improved motivation at work (53%) and increased overall job satisfaction (86%).


The career coaching gap is highlighted by the fact that nearly four in 10 (37%) employees say that they never get career coaching from their boss, while 18% only get it once a year. Knowledge and expertise as well as mutual trust and respect are the top attributes for a career coach, according to survey participants.


Phil Sheridan, Managing Director, Robert Half UK said: “The importance of having a career coach is not only to keep employees motivated but also to improve productivity, allowing organisations to pursue growth strategies, drive revenue generation and compete on an increasingly global stage. As departments continue to be tasked to do more with less, companies embracing and cultivating effective leaders will not only get the most from their existing teams, but will earn the reputation as a great place to work, helping their attraction and retention strategies.


“There are numerous sporting metaphors that can be applied in the workplace, from visualising performance to inspiring success. Robert Half recently welcomed sporting legends Sally Gunnell and James Cracknell to share their stories in client events in London, Bristol and Birmingham.”


Sally Gunnell, OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist said: “My coach played a pivotal role in my development as an athlete throughout my career, cultivating the drive, determinism and passion required to excel in the world of athletics. Workplace managers can have the same impact on their teams – providing the guidance and nurturing required to help employees aspire to greatness throughout their careers.” 

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy and member of the S&P 500. We have once again been named to FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies®” list and remains the top-ranked staffing firm (2022). Founded in 1948, the company has over 300 offices worldwide providing temporary, interim and permanent recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, legal and administrative professionals. Robert Half offers workplace and jobseeker resources at roberthalf.co.uk and twitter.com/roberthalfuk.