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Why Every Employee Deserves a Coach. And Why Cléma Is Investing in the Future of Employee Wellbeing

When I started Cléma, my goal was clear: to offer smarter, more human-centered insurance solutions. And as our work with HR teams deepened, so did my understanding of what truly fuels performance and engagement. Beyond policies and plans, what people respond to most is feeling seen, supported, and valued.

That belief became personal when I decided to pursue professional training as a coach. I recently earned my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a process that challenged and reshaped how I lead. Coaching has helped me become a better listener, a more curious

leader, and someone who understands that real growth often starts with a well-placed question.

It also revealed a gap that’s been growing inside many organizations, especially SMEs and startups, and it’s one we can no longer ignore.

A Clearer Picture of Wellbeing at Work

Over the past years, one thing has come up again and again in our conversations with clients: “Our people need support. Not just financially. Emotionally. Mentally. Professionally.”

HR leaders have been telling us what they’re seeing on the ground: 

• Teams are under pressure. 

• Managers are stretched thin. 

• Younger employees in particular are asking for more meaningful support, at work and beyond.

In these conversations, one thing keeps surfacing: the need for more accessible, flexible tools to help employees navigate both professional challenges and personal growth.

Support systems like coaching and counseling are increasingly essential components of employee wellbeing strategies.

The Role of Coaching in a Changing Workplace

Coaching gives employees something increasingly rare in fast-moving workplaces: space to pause, reflect, and make more intentional choices.

It’s a one-on-one experience built on trust, insight, and forward movement, helping people build clarity, confidence, and resilience. It’s a future-facing conversation that helps people clarify goals, overcome blocks, and unlock new perspectives, whether they’re dealing with self-doubt, transitions, burnout, or purpose.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful even one session can be. As a newly certified coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), I’ve witnessed how a well-timed question can shift a mindset, change a decision, or spark new energy.

That experience made me ask: What if every employee had access to this, not just leaders?

Shaped by Our Clients’ Needs

At Cléma, we listen closely to our clients, what’s working, what’s missing, and where they want to go next. The message we hear is clear and compelling:

“We want to care for our people more holistically. But we need practical, accessible ways to do it.”

The demand for mental health and emotional wellbeing support is rising. HR teams seek solutions that are meaningful, cost-effective, and easy to implement—especially in small to mid-sized companies.

These conversations shape how we evolve—not just as a benefits partner, but as part of your broader people strategy.

A New Standard for Employee Benefits

That’s why we’re preparing to introduce a new value-added offering to meet this growing need—giving employees direct access to certified, professional coaches. We’re building this in partnership with GoMasterCoach, a trusted platform that shares our commitment to making coaching accessible and meaningful across all levels of an organization. We ensured that we found a partner who is certified and values-aligned, so that when we roll out new ways to support your teams, they are grounded in credibility, inclusivity, and trust.

We’re not launching just for the sake of innovation. We’re preparing something because you asked and because it matters.

· It’s grounded in real client needs

· It supports both personal and professional growth

· It brings coaching within reach—not just for executives, but for everyday teams

We believe this kind of support will soon be seen not as an extra, but as a core part of a company’s people strategy.

You might wonder why an insurance broker is investing in this, and why we’re offering it without additional cost to clients.

The answer is simple: traditional employee benefits have their limits. What truly moves the needle is personal transformation. We believe employee wellbeing goes beyond policies or perks, it’s a leadership responsibility that requires real, lasting support.

At Cléma, delivering real value means more than ticking boxes or selling plans. This initiative reflects our core belief in supporting people, not just protecting them.

This is more than business. It’s belief in action.

Looking Ahead

This Global Workplace Wellbeing Month, we encourage HR leaders to ask: Are we offering our teams the kind of support they truly need?

As benefits evolve, coaching is becoming less of a trend and more of a necessity. And at Cléma, we’re excited to help our clients take the next step, building workplaces where people aren’t just protected, but genuinely supported.

By Margaret Ferté, Chief Executive Officer, Cléma Risk Solutions