Five Reasons to Volunteer with Empower Work
Jennifer Habig Ph.D., Empower Work Board Member, and a coach, consultant, and trainer in leadership and organizational development.
Over the past few months I’ve had the opportunity to train and work with our extraordinary network of peer counselors. These volunteers are the heart and soul of Empower Work. They are working professionals from a range of industries and backgrounds—united in their mission to support people through their most challenging workplace issues. They are leaders, managers, coaches, and mentors.
Empower Work Volunteers are working professionals from a range of industries and backgrounds.
Empower Work volunteers support people as they grapple with some of their biggest challenges at work. Sometimes that might mean navigating a difficult conversation with a boss; other times it might mean weighing the pros and cons of leaving a job. It’s truly amazing how one conversation can help people feel heard, supported, and empowered. Here’s what one user had to say:
“Thank you for being a sounding board for me in the midst of a truly horrible, awful, depressing work situation. You helped me figure out my next steps toward an exit strategy so I didn’t feel quite like I was drowning. You rock!”
Every volunteer has their own reason for joining, but I want to share a few that we hear most frequently. Empower Work volunteers want to:
1. Be part of the solution.
We hear and read about it every day: toxic work environments, challenges with management, mistrust in HR, and more. The modern workplace isn’t equipped to support today’s vibrant and diverse workforce. Empower Work volunteers are joining the movement to create healthy workplaces where people are supported, valued, and empowered.
2. Level up professional skills.
Empower Work volunteers participate in a robust training program builds critical skills that make them better leaders, team members, and managers in their own workplaces. Volunteers invest in their own careers while lifting others up.
“I am passionate about helping people become more effective at work and more skilled in general at maneuvering the world as a human being.”
3. Pay it forward.
Many volunteers report having incredible mentors who have helped shape their professional experiences. They’ve seen firsthand how a vote of confidence can change the trajectory of a career. By supporting other employees as a peer counselors they hope to return the favor.
4. Empower people to be their best selves.
Volunteers are passionate about helping people reach their full potential in the workplace. Whether it’s asking for a big promotion, grappling with an ethical company decision, or deciding whether to leave a company.
“I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I believe what happens to us at work is significant and can carry into all aspects of our lives. ”
5. Create more positive experiences in the workplace.
Volunteers are not immune to workplace challenges. In fact for many of our volunteers, a tough experience in the workplace actually catalyzed their decision to join Empower Work. They are inspired to support other employees and create more positive experiences in the workplace.
“I’m proud to be involved with Empower Work because it is hard to navigate tough work situations and sometimes inappropriate to discuss even with trusted friends and mentors.”
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to help someone feel empowered and ready to take the next proactive step. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we’re ensuring that everyone—no matter where they work—has access to support during their most challenging moments. Together, we’re pushing for healthier workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Jennifer Habig Ph.D., Empower Work Board Member, and a coach, consultant, and trainer in leadership and organizational development.
