Organizational Benefits of Coaching & Mentoring

by Nicole Long, Demand Media

Coaching and mentoring can provide an array of benefits for organizations of all sizes, especially small businesses. 

When conducted in an efficient and productive manner, coaching and mentoring provides employees a way to connect, learn and grow within the company and along their own career paths.

Significance

Coaching and mentoring involve pairing experienced professionals with employees that could use help adapting to the environment and culture of the workplace. This can include pairing a mentor with new employees to help them settle into the surroundings and get off to a good start. Coaching often comes in play when a new employee or current employee can benefit from personal guidance on specific job duties, processes or responsibilities. Small businesses can also use mentors to help develop other employees along a specific career path, such as management.

Retention

On an organizational level, coaching and mentoring can provide a host of benefits. Mentoring and coaching can help encourage loyalty to the company. When experienced professionals help mold the career of and provide opportunities for mentees, these individuals may feel a greater sense of connection and commitment to the business. Coaching helps an employee feel comfortable with management and encourages open communication, resulting in a positive work experience. This can allow the company to save money that would have otherwise been spent on the continual recruitment and training of replacement employees.

Personal Development

Taking advantage of the expertise and knowledge of experienced employees and professionals can help bring younger or less experienced employees up to speed. This results in better efficiency across the organization when bringing on new employees. In addition, coaching and mentoring can help guide an employee along on her career path resulting in an employee well versed on company expectations. Coaching specifically allows individuals to resolve issues and concerns within the boundaries of a trusted and confidential relationship. This can help reduce frustrations on a personal level and improve the job satisfaction of the individual, providing a benefit for the organization.

Team Efficiency

On top of developing employees, coaching and mentoring can improve the function of the team, department and entire organization. Coaching and mentoring allows managers to identify the weaknesses and strengths of each employee. This allows the organization to capitalize on the resources at hand to keep the whole team working smoothly when employees request vacation or take a sick day.