A Smarter Way to Provide Employee Coaching at Scale

Employees want development. Access to inclusive development is one of the primary reasons employees change jobs. And still, many modern companies continue to rely on traditional methods that just don’t work anymore.

The classic performance review is dead—and, in fact, does more harm than good. Gallup research has found that only 14% of employees strongly agree that their performance reviews inspire them to improve. What’s more, the traditional performance review approach makes performance worse by about 33%.

Real employee development requires a more thoughtful approach. A proven solution is to break out of the once-a-year performance review model and use scalable employee coaching.

But there’s an undeniable challenge here: how can employee development and coaching be done at scale? The answer isn’t simple, but modern technology offers a solution. Let’s talk about how employee coaching can be utilized by HR leaders wanting to see results.

Coaching is Inherently Connected and Scalable

Traditionally, coaching has been viewed as a 1-on-1, personalized experience suited only for executives. But the essence of coaching—personal growth and development—should extend beyond just the high-level executives.

Recognizing this potential in what coaching has to offer your entire organization is the first step in reimagining coaching at scale. But how can you make it scalable?

Digital coaching solutions provide the infrastructure necessary to extend coaching’s reach. For example, employees can log in to a portal, call a coaching help desk, schedule an appointment, or download an app. 

With these virtual employee coaching options, organizations can offer development that’s accessible and deeply connected to every individual’s needs.

Are Your Employees Aware of Their Development Initiatives?

A staggering 64% of employers claim to have comprehensive coaching programs. Yet, only a small fraction of their eligible workforce (less than 30%!) get involved in these programs. This disconnect highlights the gap between perception and reality. Without ensuring awareness, even the most tailored coaching program won’t work.

How to Implement Effective Coaching at Scale

Transitioning to a scalable coaching model requires a structured approach that balances individual needs with your company’s goals. The key here lies in creating a development ecosystem that supports personal growth and fosters a culture of learning and adaptability.

Here are actionable steps you can take to implement such a model.

  1. Enable Broad Access: Make sure your employees are aware of their options. Promote and encourage active participation in employee development programs. Utilize user-friendly digital platforms that allow employees to easily access coaching resources, regardless of their location or schedule.

  2. Set Clear, Measurable Goals: Make sure each participant is aligned with what they’re moving towards. This helps individuals understand the value of the coaching process. 

  3. Encourage Connection: Develop peer learning groups that bring employees together to share experiences and learn from one another. Use feedback sessions that encourage deep personal insight and constructive critique from managers and colleagues. 

  4. Create a Development Plan: Combine direct coaching sessions with comprehensive development plans that include specific, actionable steps for growth. This ecosystem should promote a culture of continuous learning where employees are motivated to improve and adapt.

  5. Drive Organizational Growth: Make sure you align individual journeys with the organization’s strategic goals. Synchronizing personal development with organizational objectives means the impact of coaching goes beyond personal growth.

  6. Leverage Technology with a Human Touch: Utilize digital platforms to scale the coaching process. Complement this with personalized coaching interactions that offer empathy, understanding, and nuanced guidance. Remember, technology cannot provide this.

These steps offer organizations a plan for developing a scalable employee coaching model that addresses logistical challenges while maintaining what makes coaching so powerful.

Need someone to do these steps for you? Learn how PILOT does all of the above steps and more!

The Power of Collective Coaching and Real Impact

Taking these steps is worth it. 54% of companies that are classified as “high-performing” have a strong coaching culture. Organizations that don’t? That figure drops to 29%.

Synchronized coaching creates a communal learning environment where individuals are part of something larger. When coaching is aligned around shared objectives and themes, there is an amplified impact. Having a scalable employee coaching program helps foster development that is both deeply personal and applicable to everyone. 

How PILOT Provides Virtual, Scalable Employee Coaching in the Modern World

Coaching at scale has unique challenges, but there’s always an opportunity. The key to unlocking the benefits of scalable coaching is to leverage digital platforms to make coaching accessible. 

Organizations that embrace this approach have witnessed remarkable improvements in performance and productivity. The impact of a strong employee coaching culture is undeniable. 

PILOT is inherently built to scale. It offers a unique opportunity for companies to utilize coaching programs for all employees while encouraging a powerful employee development culture. 

Want to learn more? Take a self-guided tour of PILOT.

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