Some people attract followers by sheer charisma, and others command by force. True leaders do something more. Leadership is not just about holding a formal title or being in charge. A leader is a person other people choose to follow.

Do you feel like you’re putting all of the time, effort, and patience into your job, but your job or your boss isn’t returning the favor? A non-reciprocal relationship with work can be draining, defeating, and can cause feelings of helplessness. So, how do you care for yourself when work doesn’t seem to care about you?  

At some point in your working life, you may encounter a manager or business owner whose mental illness or personal challenge affects you. The problem isn’t yours to solve, but you can protect your well-being.

Empower Work staff member, Mackenzie, shares her story about how her boss at her first job affected her mental health. This story shines a light on how one comment or request from someone could change the trajectory of someone’s work life and well-being. One comment from Mackenzie’s boss threw her off guard and made her feel anxious, small, and self-conscious at work.

Being taken advantage of at work can have real financial, emotional, and professional consequences. This phenomenon is all too common: one survey found that nearly 80% of respondents have felt taken advantage of at work at some point. Whether subtle, like a lack of respect or recognition, or more overt, like discrimination or wage theft, there are steps you can take in response—today.

COVID-19 has changed the workplace for employees across the United States. At many businesses, there are new safety guidelines for workers to follow that may cause confusion. In some cases, employers are not following COVID-19 safety guidelines, putting workers at risk. Here are some COVID-19 safety challenges that workers may encounter in the workplace and resources to help.