The Top Four Emerging Trends in Coaching and Wellness in 2024

The Everything Life Coaching Podcast, featuring Lumia Coaching founders John Kim and Noelle Cordeaux, is a deep dive into the experience and business of being a life coach. Subscribe to get new episodes weekly!

2024's Most Impactful Coaching and Wellness Trends

As we step into 2024, the wellness space is evolving with fresh trends and underserved populations coming into focus – with plenty of opportunity for coaches who are willing to serve these clients. While this overview isn't exhaustive, it does spotlight key areas of growth and need, and highlights areas of growth and possibility for coaches everywhere.

1. Next-Generation Postpartum Care

New motherhood has long been an underexplored area in mental health and strategic support. As reported by Well+Good, a London-based think tank, there's a burgeoning movement to address this gap. 

A variety of platforms, services, and communities are emerging, dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional health of new mothers.

For Coaches: This trend is not just about offering support to those who need it. It's about job creation in an area ripe for development. Future services might integrate perinatal services like acupuncture, physical therapy, lactation support, and doula care, both in-person and online, akin to the integrated approach seen in wellness real estate.

2. Baby Boomers and “Flextirement”

Baby boomers, a demographic that's beginning to retire en masse, are influencing workforce trends significantly. Fast Company highlights a new trend: flextirement.

This concept allows for semi-retirement, enabling employees to gradually leave their roles while still contributing through projects or mentorship.

For Coaches: Coaches can support in this arena a few different ways. Coaches are increasingly needed for employee retention and succession planning, particularly for senior employees, helping them identify what they love about their work and assisting in cultural and ethical adjustments within organizations. Coaches can also work with those who are partially retired as they plan for what comes next in life. Plus, coaching is an excellent “second act” for those who find themselves in flextirement and are looking for a way to use their existing skills!

3. Gen Z and the Loneliness Epidemic

Gen Z is grappling with loneliness, a recognized epidemic that has been affecting people everywhere but has been gaining greater recognition since the pandemic. Coaches are becoming more prevalent on social connection apps, which were initially designed for dating but are now facilitating broader social interactions. 

Hinge's "One More Hour" initiative is a prime example, offering grants to social groups in various cities to encourage in-person connections among Gen Z.

For Coaches: Coaches can be instrumental in developing relational and social skills, communication abilities, and conflict resolution techniques among younger generations. The expansion of social clubs and groups provides a new avenue for the creation of coaching roles.

4. Nighttime Wellness Experiences

There’s been an increased demand for in-person groups and activities that extend into the evening. The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont, exemplifies this with its popular nighttime hiking experiences that started during the pandemic and now are a regular part of the experiences on offer. 

Moving away from traditional nightlife to wellness-oriented, community-driven evening activities opens new doors for coaches in unconventional settings.

For Coaches: Integrating group and social activities into coaching offerings can tap into this trend. This not only aligns with wellness goals but also caters to a growing desire for meaningful, community-oriented experiences outside of work hours.

As we consider these emerging trends, it's clear that the work of coaching is expanding into new territories and populations. From supporting new mothers to aiding in the transition of retiring professionals, and addressing the loneliness epidemic among the youth to innovating wellness experiences, the opportunities for impact and growth in the coaching field are always increasing.

Spotting and creating opportunities within trends is not just about responding to current needs but also about pioneering new paths in wellness and work, taking coaching into new and sometimes unexpected places. For many working coaches, this is one of the things we find most rewarding about being on the frontlines of this emerging profession!

Ready to Become A Coach?

One of our values at Lumia is that we dare to be different. Our life coaches ignore the expectations society tries to impose on them, and seek to live from their own truth instead. If you are ready to step into your power and you’d like a partner in the process, come check out Lumia Life Coach Training. Grounded in science, our ICF accredited program features authentic instructors, a robust curriculum, and business instruction to prepare you for liftoff.

‍Lumia Coaching: Vibrant community. Evidence-based life coach training. Lifetime support.