Wage discrimination is a consistent inequality in the workplace. Equal Pay Day—which is recognized on March 14th this year—is more than just an arbitrary date on the calendar. It reflects how many days a woman must work in a given year to catch up to men’s earnings from the previous year. You may be wondering what you can do to advocate for equal pay as an individual experiencing or witnessing pay inequality at your workplace, or as a manager.
Read MoreMarch 12, 2023, marks National Working Mothers Day. We can support all working moms better by providing what pregnant and nursing people need at work, expanding parental leave and childcare, and accelerating the march toward pay equity for women.
Read MoreSome 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.
Read MoreCurbing the burnout epidemic will take more than workers’ self-care techniques. People need more autonomy and support to prevent becoming depleted on the job.
Read MoreDo 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?
Read MoreFeeling stuck at a job you hate? Maybe you want to quit, but can’t afford to. Or the thought of a long and challenging job hunting process is holding you back. Or maybe you’ve looked at other job possibilities out there, but you’re afraid that you don’t have the relevant experience or skills on your resume. Whatever the reason is for why you hate your job, you may be wondering how to survive at that job and stick it out until you find something better.
Read MoreAt 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.
Read MoreWhen you’re out of a job, unemployment checks can be a lifeline. Know the ins and outs of filing and collecting your benefits and don’t leave what you’re entitled to on the table.
Unemployment insurance payments can be a lifeline when you’ve lost your job and don’t have a steady income. But some workers don’t apply to get the benefits they’re entitled to, due to some common misconceptions and misunderstandings.
Read MoreEmpower Work user, Kessie, shares her story about a stressful situation at work. Kessie reached out to Empower Work’s text line when she didn’t know where else to turn.
Read MoreWorkplace bullying happens, and it's a serious issue. If you are a victim of workplace bullying or witness it, here are some tips to help you deal with it.
Read MoreWork in the U.S. is not working. 47.8 million workers quit their jobs in 2021, an average of 4 million per month. The data is clear. But the lived experiences of workers are missing. Those experiences point to a public health crisis.
Read MoreIs your boss sabotaging your career path? You may have a job that you really enjoy, but if your boss is actively undermining your work and holding you back, you might feel overwhelmed and isolated. Sabotage is more than lack of support. When you’re being sabotaged, someone is actively undermining your performance or success. We see this directly through our text line. The situation feels urgent, yet you feel like you’re stuck and like there’s nothing you can do. The good news is, there are steps you can take.
Read MorePTO is important for your mental wellbeing, productivity, and work-life balance. So, it’s frustrating when your time off isn’t encouraged by your employer. Through our text line, we’ve seen a variety of challenges with PTO. Whatever the cause of the frustration surrounding your PTO, know that there are steps you can take.
Read MorePerformance reviews have a reputation for being daunting, anxiety-provoking, and full of surprises. Receiving feedback at work shouldn’t make you feel like you’re on the chopping block. So, what should a performance review look like? It should be a healthy conversation between you and your manager where you both reflect on your achievements, discuss areas for improvement and development, and set goals that support you in succeeding in your role. Unfortunately, not all performance reviews go as smoothly as they should. There are many ways you can prepare for yourself for performance reviews.
Read MoreIf you’ve been out of work for a while or you’re stuck in a job you hate, you may be wondering: How long should it take to find a new job? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated as your job search drags on. At Empower Work, we can help you gain a new perspective. Here are a few questions to put yourself on the right track.
Read MoreYour employer let you go. Now what? Maybe you suspected it was coming. You’ve had a conflict with your boss, business has been slow, or your supervisor reduced your duties without explanation. Maybe your dismissal was sudden. like 900 people unexpectedly laid off in a Zoom call. You might feel like you’ve taken a gut punch, or your most prominent emotion might be relief. No matter the circumstances, losing your job is tough, especially if you need to jump into your next job search immediately. But you can land on your feet after a job loss.
Read MoreWhether you’ve picked up a summer gig or have a full-time role, starting your first job can be a big transition. Being in the workplace can feel like a steep learning curve: the expectations are different, the schedule is different, and the way you’re evaluated is different too. Regardless of the role or industry, starting your first job brings a new set of challenges and opportunities. It also brings new ways to grow and learn that will serve you for many years to come.
Read MoreYou’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.
Read MoreWhen 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.
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