You’re facing a dilemma–you want to talk about it, and you need an outside point of view, or you just aren’t sure who to talk to about it. That’s what Empower Work is for. Our trained volunteer peer counselors support people in their toughest moments at work. We’re here to listen, help you get perspective, and help you find the next steps that feel right for you. If you’re struggling with a work issue, you can text us on our free, confidential text line at 510-674-1414.

When people contact the Empower Work text line, often they’re looking for a change: a better relationship with a boss or coworker, a promotion or raise, a different job, or a whole new career. It might reassure you to know that there are stages of change. What feels like being stuck might be a necessary step in the process. Our volunteer peer counselors can support you every step of the way.

Going through struggles at work is hard enough. And it becomes even more complicated when you feel like you have no one to talk to. That’s why Empower Work exists – to support those who are feeling stuck. Our peer counselors are trained to listen, help you come up with solutions, and support you in taking your next steps. Reaching out about work issues can improve your mental health, productivity, and work environment.

If you’re an LGBTQ+ person in the workforce, you know that unfortunately, you can’t take for granted that your gender identity or sexual orientation will be accepted at work. And if you’re considering switching to a new job, you may wonder how you’ll be treated in the new environment. You may find yourself asking: Is this organization a good fit? Will I be accepted as my full self? How can I possibly know before accepting the offer? At Empower Work, we regularly support people going through work transitions and asking these big questions. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re an LGBTQ+ worker evaluating a potential new job.

Barbara Saunders, an Empower Work staff member, shares her positive work experience waiting tables and shines a light on how a caring employer can make a difference in your mental health. She illustrates how a sad work event turned into reflections about the workplace and a valuable lesson: We all deserve to work in a place where we feel supported even in very difficult times.

If you’re fearing for your own safety—or the safety of your loved ones—amidst the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, you know that fear can have a big impact on your sense of well-being. And if your workplace isn’t supportive, you may feel especially isolated. Your mental health matters. Empower Work is here to help.

If you’re one of the millions of people working the night shift, you know your work comes with hardships and frustrations, many of which can take a toll. If you’re looking for strategies to deal with the mental and physical challenges of your work, Empower Work is here to help—whether you’re a nurse, delivery driver, emergency medical responder, utility worker, warehouse associate, janitor, security guard, rideshare driver, or any other job on the night shift.

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.

April 22, 2022, the annual Day of Silence, aims to reclaim the silence and erasure so often forced upon LGBTQ+ people: students, educators, and allies take a vow to not speak, demonstrating the impact of LGBTQ+ people being silenced. In a year when LGBTQ+ rights are already under attack—from the discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay” bill signed into law in Florida to the classification of gender-affirming care as child abuse in Texas—the Day of Silence feels more urgent than ever. And the impact of these rulings isn’t just being felt in schools. People of all ages have been feeling on edge, unsupported, and worried in response. At Empower Work, we talk with people every day who are struggling with these feelings at work, feeling targeted because of who they are and unable to seek support. We believe no one should feel like they have nowhere to turn. That’s why we’re here to help.

Teachers have been juggling a lot for the past few years: navigating remote and in-person learning, responding to changing masking and testing requirements, managing stressed parents, and attempting to ensure their students are learning on top of all of it. At Empower Work, we regularly talk with teachers who find themselves feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Many educators share that they love teaching, but they are struggling with poor management, insufficient pay, and constantly-changing COVID-related conditions. If this is your experience, know you’re not the only one—and we have tools to support you.

The pandemic has been a period of incredible upheaval, both at home and at work. It has also revealed just how tenuous the semblance of stability is—especially for working parents. As people are going back to work in higher numbers, we have an opportunity to rethink how employers can best support workers who are also caretakers at home.

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 marks Equal Pay Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the gender pay gap that persists in the United States. Women, on average, earn just 83 cents for every dollar earned by men—and though this differs based on race, location, and industry, the trend has significant implications. On this Equal Pay Day, we hope you’ll take the opportunity to learn more about the history and present of the gender wage gap in this country, and what you can do in your own workplace to help address it.

Last year, Empower Work made a huge difference in the lives of workers across the US. Our impact wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteer peer counselors. We supported 30,000 workers through our text line and online resources. We couldn’t be more proud of the difference we’ve made in workers’ lives. We support people’s emotional and economic well-being, help people take the actions that feel right for them, support people through online resources, and systemically improve workplace well-being.

As Black History Month comes to a close, we recognize that just as the Black experience is a crucial part of American history, it is also a crucial part of the American present—including at work. But what if your workplace doesn't see it that way? What if you’re in an environment that recognizes Black History Month with an event or press release, but does nothing to address systemic inequities or support its Black employees through the rest of the year? Here are a few things to consider.

February is Black History Month: a time to recognize the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities of Black Americans throughout the history—and present—of this country. This year’s focus, Black Health and Wellness, recognizes the long legacy of Black medical practitioners, scholars, and healthcare providers. It also uplifts the myriad ways in which Black communities have fostered health and wellness outside of traditional medical systems—from mutual aid and community clinics to medical and nursing schools. In the workplace, prioritizing Black health and wellness is more important than ever. Here’s what you can do to make this a priority this year and every year.

Deciding to quit a job can bring up a lot of emotions—you may be excited about a new opportunity, relieved to get out of a stressful work environment, or feeling guilty for leaving your manager or team in a tough spot. Here are some of the most common concerns we hear people struggling with when they’ve decided to quit a job, and tips for dealing with them.

“Should I stay or should I go?” At Empower Work, we hear from people every day who are grappling with whether to quit their job or try to make it work. Maybe you like your job but hate your boss, or love your boss but hate your job. Maybe you’re in a toxic work environment, struggling with burnout, or asking yourself how much more you can take. Maybe you’re just ready for something new. Whatever your situation, you’re the only one who can make the decision for yourself. As you’re weighing your options, here are some important questions to consider.

National Coming Out Day is a day focused on celebrating queer identity and raising awareness for the continued struggle for acceptance and equal rights for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQ+). Choosing to come out to close friends or loved ones can be an important and affirming milestone, yet choosing to come out at work can feel more complicated for many people. If National Coming Out Day leaves you questioning whether you’ll be able to be your full self at work, Empower Work is here to support you.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteers at Empower Work have been supporting workers who reach out with worries of health & safety, the stress of going back to in-office environments, and existing work challenges. We have listed the top 3 ways that our peer counselors have supported workers during COVID-19.