5 Ways We Supported Workers in 2021
In 2021, we made a huge difference in the lives of US workers. Although it was a challenging year, we were there for underrepresented workers every step of the way. Our impact wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteer peer counselors who power our text line every day. Last year, we supported 30,000 people through our text line and online resources. We couldn’t be more proud of the difference we’ve made to workers’ emotional and economic well-being.
Here are the top 5 ways we support vulnerable workers:
1. We support people’s emotional well-being
Last year was a devastating year for all of us. At Empower Work, we see the frustration, fear, and worries first-hand through our confidential, free text line. Workers reach out with experiences at work that would cause unfathomable stress for anyone. People reach out when:
They’ve been fired and are worried about feeding their family and paying rent,
They’ve been in increasingly uncomfortable interactions with a manager that leave them feeling physically and emotionally unsafe,
They can’t sleep and are sick at the idea of going to work due to bullying, harassment, or discrimination,
Their employer won’t support their health or that of their family during a pandemic,
They’re worried for their health and safety because their employers won’t implement COVID safety policies in their workplace,
They’re experiencing unfair working conditions such as being underpaid, being undervalued, or feeling left out.
Over 92% of people reported improved mental health after connecting with Empower Work. Our top priority is being there for workers and meeting them where they are. Our trained peer counselors always show up, ready to make a difference.
As an Empower Work user shared:
“Thank you for your service and support to those who feel isolated and have nowhere to turn. This is a safe and anonymous service that has been immensely helpful as a private place to find support.”
2. We support people’s economic well-being
At Empower Work, we hear from many less-represented and less-resourced workers who are not only stressed out emotionally, but also financially. Last year, we saw a 30% increase in unemployment needs. Workers need our support the most when:
They feel deeply disrespected, underpaid, and mistreated at both of their jobs, and lack the time and confidence to find a new job,
They have fears of unemployment or have become unemployed and don’t know what to do,
They feel like they’re being taken advantage of.
Conversations related to job loss or career decisions nearly doubled over last year. Workers need support now more than ever. Our peer counselors are always here to listen and support workers in taking actions that feel right for them when they have financial stress.
As an Empower Work user shared:
“My peer counselor helped me realize that I needed to take the next challenge and that something else would come along […] I ended up getting my current job which is actually something I enjoy doing more, with a better salary, and with better benefits.”
3. We help people take actions that feel right for them
People reach out to Empower Work when they feel like they have nowhere else to turn and they don’t know what actions to take. Our trained peer counselors are here to listen and talk through different ways to go about a situation.
A conversation may look like:
We help people feel relieved, less stressed, and ready to take action. 88% of people who reached out to Empower Work reported that they were able to take an action that felt right for them.
“My peer counselor helped me realize that I needed to take the next challenge and that something else would come along […] I ended up getting my current job which is actually something I enjoy doing more, with a better salary, and with better benefits.”
4. We support people through online resources
Sometimes, people who aren’t yet ready to chat with a peer counselor still find themselves in need of advice. Perhaps they’re being discriminated against at work or they hate their boss and they don’t know what to do. Or maybe they want to quit their job but they’re not sure how to go about it. When people come across our text line but aren’t quite ready to talk, we provide free, non-legal advice in our blog.
Here are our top five blogs to get support:
Bullying vs Discrimination: How To Tell The Difference in the Workplace
Feeling taken advantage of at work? Here’s what you need to know.
5. We support workers by systemically improving workplace well-being
Our impact on the lives of workers wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteer trained counselors. Volunteers go through 25+ hours of training before powering the line. People are motivated to become peer counselors because they want to support underrepresented workers. Many volunteers have gone through tough work situations themselves and want to give back.
As Empower Work volunteers shared:
"It has helped me to respond to moments of friction with managers and coworkers—including ones that would normally be very triggering to me—with a more solutions-oriented approach."
"Volunteering is energizing for me, especially when I get to have an impactful conversation. There are moments where you can really feel the way it shifts the person’s approach and that’s really gratifying."
Not only are volunteers able to give back, but through the training they are also able to develop their professional skills, become better co-workers, managers, and leaders. 93% of volunteers use the skills they learned through Empower Work’s training in their own workplaces. When volunteers bring their 25+ hours of Empower Work training to their workplaces, this causes a positive ripple effect and systemically improves workplace well-being.
Supporting Workers in 2022
We know that 2022 is going to be another hard year. Our peer counselors are here, powering the line every day to make a difference in the lives of workers. It’s not going to be easy, but Empower Work will be here for workers every step of the way. If you or someone you know is experiencing a tough work issue, text 510-674-1414 to get free, confidential support from a trained peer counselor.
Click here to read the full 2021 Impact Report and check out this video to learn more about how we made a difference.
Note: Empower Work provides non-legal support for workplaces challenges. This information, while authoritative, is not legal advice or guaranteed for legality. Employment laws and regulations vary by state. We recommend legal assistance or consulting with state resources for specific interpretation and decisions.