Why and How Empower Work is Free?
Why we’re free
We believe every worker should have access to support and resources at critical job moments. Many workplaces provide little to no support, and even in those that do, people aren’t always sure they can trust an employer provided resource.
Being free and available, with no barrier to entry, is central to our values. That doesn’t mean that it’s free to provide our service.
On average, conversations cost us about $52. Talented, committed volunteers provide support, with the backing of paid staff and a strong technical infrastructure.
How we’re free
Empower Work stays free thanks to:
Generous philanthropic support from institutions and individuals who believe in building a better future of work that’s healthier, more equitable, and where workers are truly valued.
Volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to support people. Some volunteers have employers that match hours volunteered with financial contributions, providing additional financial support. Others work at companies that cover training and volunteer support. Some volunteers use their professional development funds to defray the cost of training so that we can train and support even more volunteers.
Texters who pay-it-forward. Many people who use us find such value, they donate what they can to ensure others at critical moments have a resource.
Revenue from training and partnerships. We offer robust training programs to build collective skills in listening, coaching, and management. We also offer our support to communities, trade associations, and networks.
Pro-bono and discounted services and products. We benefit from donated technology products to public service announcements (PSAs).
What we spend money on
We thoughtfully spend our resources. Bringing our technology and service to millions nationwide is a significant endeavor. We invest in people and our product to help us achieve our mission. That includes:
Technology and infrastructure to support and connect with millions of workers;
Outreach from web content to media so we can reach workers;
Partnerships to reach under-served and under-resourced workers;
Recruiting, training, and professional development for volunteers; and
Research, data analysis, and content to drive systemic change in workplaces across the country.
What’s important about earned revenue?
To be the most effective, sustainable, and impactful organization we can be, we believe it’s important to build our earned revenue. We have an ambitious goal of serving 3 million people in the next five years. Earned revenue through training and partnerships helps us build to that scale, while staying true to our value of ensuring all workers can have access with no barrier.
Our north star is ensuring every worker has the trusted support and if needed, tools, to address a situation they’re experiencing so that they can thrive.
How can you help?
So glad you asked! Three ways:
Donate to help us remain free and accessible as we build to serve 3 million workers!
Volunteer and become a trained peer counselor.
Bring our training to your team, organization, or company.
