I know first-hand that having someone in your corner can make navigating tough work situations feel much less isolating and overwhelming. I see Empower Work’s mission as a key component to making workplaces more equitable by providing free, accessible, judgement-free support to people regardless of background or industry.

So many people are coming to Empower Work right now because they hear a call to lead. Because they feel that their company leaders are failing to meet the needs of clients, customers, and employees. Because they see a disconnect between their own values of doing the right thing, protecting others' safety, and providing for their emotional as well as physical needs.

We’ve heard from many people who feel unsettled and nervous about the impact of COVID-19 on their workplaces and livelihoods.

Between personal health concerns, worries over family and friends, layoffs and furloughs, and everything else that is happening, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is causing uncertainty for many workers. Maybe you’re worried about hours being cut or losing tips as customers slow down, or concerned about whether to go to work or who will care for your kids if school closes, or maybe just unsure because your employer isn’t providing much, if any, direction.

If you’re in need of support, our trained peer counselors are available at Empower Work.

Volunteering can be a powerful way to give back and gain new skills. Val Sanders, Empower Work’s Director of Training and Volunteers chatted with Keya T., one of Empower Work’s master peer counselors, about how she’s grown personally and professionally since she began helping people on the Empower Work text line.

I made a big mistake in how I handled a customer, and knew it was going to be a big deal.