Are work coaches the answer to get people back into the workplace?
To address the problem, the UK government recently announced plans to use 1,000 work coaches to help long-term unemployed people into work. According to the plans, these coaches will focus on providing intensive support to the 65,000 sick and disabled people who have been unemployed long-term.
But are work coaches the answer to growing economic inactivity? And will their support be enough to overcome the structural barriers many people face when trying to get into work – like health issues, inflexible employers and discrimination?
According to Pete Taylor, managing director of the recruitment firm Gi Group, one of the key positives of the scheme is the practical support offered by coaches.
'They can provide essential, practical assistance such as CV writing, which is especially helpful for those with neurodivergent conditions, such as dyslexia, or where English isn't their first language,' he says.
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Hiring processes are constantly changing, and for those who've been out of the workforce, the thought of detailed applications and numerous interviews can feel overwhelming. Taylor suggests that job seekers could benefit from extra support throughout this process.
'Interview preparation and job search strategies will also be key,' he adds. 'Many individuals who have been out of work for an extended period may struggle with these aspects, and tailored support and preparation, such as mock job interviews and giving feedback on the answers can help build confidence and readiness for employment.'
Long-term unemployment can significantly impact mental health. Large-scale systematic reviews have shown that people who are long-term unemployed have an at least twofold risk of mental illness – particularly depression and anxiety – compared to those who are employed. But the relationship is complex, with unemployment both a cause and effect of illness.
If work coaching is done right, it can have a significant positive effect on people's wellbeing, says business psychologist Leanne Elliott, co-host of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast. 'A good work coach doesn't just fix a CV or run a mock interview, they help people challenge those negative thought patterns that have kept them stuck,' she explains.
'Many unemployed people suffer from thinking errors – distorted ways of interpreting their situation that make moving forward feel impossible. There's all-or-nothing thinking, where someone believes they can't work at all if they can't get their old job back. There's catastrophising, where one rejection leads to the belief that they'll never find work again.'
However, not all work coaches are created equal. Not all will have the awareness or training to provide psychological support. 'Proper coaching isn't about giving someone a template CV and sending them on their way. It requires training in psychology, motivation and behavioural change,' says Elliott. 'Without proper training, there's a real risk that this will become another tick-box exercise rather than meaningful support.'
There is also a concern that requiring people to work with job coaches could heighten stress and anxiety. Office for National Statistics data shows that over half of those classified as long-term unemployed suffer from depression or anxiety, with many facing interconnected and complex physical and mental health challenges.
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If work coaches lack the necessary expertise to assist individuals with mental health issues, they may unintentionally worsen the situation. 'If the coaching comes with pressure to find work, or an expectation that this will work and if it doesn't that your social safety net of benefits will be removed, then that is an issue,' says David Rice, a HR expert at People Managing People.
'I think there has to be some clear definitions about what the purpose of this is. It should be to develop the skills and tools necessary for people to be successful in finding work. Not to heap pressure on them to take low grade jobs.'
Often, the challenges people face when looking for work are structural. Job vacancies are dropping and there are now more job seekers than available positions, leaving many people applying for hundreds of roles without success. If there simply aren't enough jobs to match people's skills, experience and health needs, the impact of coaches will be limited.
Long-term unemployed individuals also have to grapple with discrimination and stigma, too. Applying for jobs means explaining why you've been out of work and disclosing complex, personal health information – and there's every chance an employer may react poorly. And with many businesses backtracking on flexible working, there are limited opportunities for those who need this flexibility, including people with disabilities.
"The success of this work coach initiative will ultimately hinge on how well it aligns with broader labour market policies, shifts in the employment landscape, and business attitudes," says Taylor. "If it's backed by job creation, employer involvement and improvements to workplace accessibility, it could make a significant difference.'
Read more:
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Why some leaders infantilise their workers
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