ICF Germany publishes a new report based on a survey of 88 Organisations in Germany and Switzerland.
Coaching has entered a new chapter. Once reserved for a handful of senior leaders, it is now shaping how organisations approach transformation, resilience, and collaboration. In times of hybrid work, rapid change, and rising complexity, organisations need not only structures and strategies, but also spaces for reflection, dialogue, and growth. Coaching offers precisely that.
At ICF Germany, we work together with HR leaders, internal coaches, and executives who are embedding coaching into the deep fabric of their organisations. The message we see is clear: coaching is no longer “nice-to-have” but a strategic lever for organisational health and future readiness.
A snapshot of today
In our recent CiO Report, based on a survey of 88 organisations and follow-up focus groups in Germany and Switzerland, we captured what we came to call “a field in motion”.
We talked to many representatives of organisations who have established coaching programmes and see the value. Yet coaching is not always visible to all employees, and questions of measurement, positioning, and leadership sponsorship remain. The solution is there, it is just not visible enough. As one participant in our focus groups put it: “We do not need a new model. We need help making what we already have more visible and more accepted.”
This reflects the essence of the moment: coaching is moving from an individual tool towards an organisational practice, but the journey is still unfolding.
A vision for the future
ICF Germany’s vision is to make high-quality coaching accessible, visible, and sustainable in organisations. That means:
Building coaching cultures that foster openness, reflection, and empowerment.
Supporting HR and leaders with practical tools, peer exchange, and good practice examples.
Ensuring standards and ethics so that coaching remains a trusted, professional resource.
Connecting the global and the local: bringing international insights into the German context, while sharing our own experience with the global coaching community.
We believe that coaching can strengthen not just individuals, but whole organisations. It can guide leadership transitions, support cultural transformation, and provide resilience in uncertain times.
What’s happening now
This autumn, ICF Germany is dedicating a full month to Coaching in Organisations. In October, our Virtual Education programme will offer:
- International experts on coaching in organisations, like Clare Norman,
- Network meetings and “Ask us anything” sessions on CiO,
- Round tables with representatives of organisations known for strong coaching cultures,
- And – as a highlight – an opening lunch session on October 2nd where we will present the findings of our CiO Report.
It’s a chance to exchange experiences, ask questions, and explore together how coaching can become a true driver of cultural and organisational change.
Join the conversation
Coaching in Organisations is not just about performance, but about shaping the workplaces of tomorrow. We invite you to be part of this movement.
👉 Explore the report, upcoming events, or contact the CIO Workgroup Team here.
Heike Aiello
Heike Aiello, PCC, Board Member ICF Germany, Coordinator Coaching in Organisations
Sabine Kreschel
Sabine Kreschel ACC, PMP, certified solution-oriented and agile business coach
