Start With Support—Before You Reach a Breaking Point at Work
Mackenzie Waldron is a writer focused on ensuring workers have the information and resources they need to thrive. She explores topics that surface on Empower Work’s free, confidential text line and brings research-backed approaches to support you.
Are you currently experiencing a work issue and don’t know where to start or what your next steps should be?
Reach out for support and talk about it before you reach your breaking point.
Challenging work moments are tough and can consume your entire life. Bad managers, toxic coworkers, an overload of work without being paid what you deserve, gaslighting, job loss, long job searches—these work issues can leave you feeling helpless. Not addressing these work issues can lead to long-lasting effects like burnout, anxiety and stress, and poor mental health.
In short, these workplace issues are putting your well-being at risk.
So, what’s the best first step? Talk to someone.
Why talking about your work issues is important
Holding in your thoughts and emotions about a work issue can lead to long-lasting effects on your mental well-being. A person’s work life is important and consumes most peoples’ days. Most people spend more time at work than they do at home or with their families. If you’re not happy at work, there can be a trickle effect into other areas of your life.
Talking to a peer about these issues has many benefits. Venting about a problem, identifying what’s wrong, and talking things through can reduce stress, provide clarity, and help you see a clear path forward.
It makes you feel better.
When you hold your emotions in and let them ruminate, it can cause a situation to get worse, leading people to act out or let their mental health get to a worse place.
Empower Work is on call for any work issue
When you’re experiencing a work issue, text us first.
At Empower Work, we hear from people every day experiencing a range of issues from job loss to long job searches to being harassed at work. Since launching we’ve supported over half a million people with 91% reporting improved mental health and an average 26% increase in income within a year after connecting with a peer counselor.
Our text line is powered by trained, volunteer peer counselors that just get it. Chances are, the volunteer you’re connected with has also gone through and navigated a work challenge too. The text line is judgment free and provides free, confidential, immediate support.
Here’s how it works:
Text 510-674-1414 or start a web chat online to connect with a counselor.
Get personalized, one-on-one coaching to navigate your work issue.
Walk away with an action plan.
No work issue is “too big” or “too small” to reach out and ask for help. Text us and get ahead of your work issues.
If you’re not ready to reach out to a counselor, you can check our online resources or reach out to a family member, friend, or a trusted coworker.