Employers have probably heard it all before:
“Sorry I’m late…it won’t happen again!”
“I need to take tomorrow off…I wish I could give you more notice.”
“The report that was due today? I’ll definitely have it to you next week.”
What they might not have heard:
“I’m late because the neighbor who watches my daughter had an emergency—again. I wish I could afford someone more reliable.”
“I’m due in court tomorrow because I got an eviction notice and have tried everything to come up with the back rent. I just can’t keep up with the rent increases.”
“The report is late because my 80-year-old dad has fallen twice this week, and I’ve been stressed out trying to find a care facility I can afford for him.”
We all know life doesn’t stop when you walk into work. But for employees dealing with home and life issues, the impact on them—and your bottom line—can be significant.
In Maryland, nearly a third of working households struggle to make ends meet. They are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) workers, and they’re the lifeblood of companies and businesses across all sectors. They’re delivery drivers, laborers, staff working in the retail, hospitality, healthcare and food service industries, and even some you might not expect, like managers and directors. The rising cost of basics, like housing, food, transportation, childcare and eldercare, present challenges and stressors that affect them both on and off the job.
United Way of Central Maryland is focused on driving equity, opportunity and access for all in our region. Its economic advancement programs empower both talent and employers alike, building stronger employees and fostering their economic stability, and creating more equitable workplaces that fuel our local economy.
United Way president and CEO Franklyn Baker says, “A job or career isn’t just a source of income; it’s the key to building a strong future, stronger communities and a healthy local economy. But too many people in Greater Baltimore struggle with our high cost of living, and we know that the day-to-day stress of trying to get by, much less get ahead, often shows up in the workplace.”
Dealing with issues like missed work hours to care for a sick child, a major car repair (or even a flat tire), or a family member in need of critical support can have a significant impact on their finances, mental health and job performance.
United Way’s WorkWays program offers a solution. It’s a comprehensive employer/employee engagement program that creates more supportive, equitable working environments—and stronger businesses.
WorkWays’ professional resource navigation managers work one-on-one with employees and anyone in their household to assist with a host of needs, including:
- Family support, childcare, and eldercare
- Transportation assistance
- Food and housing assistance
- Car repairs/purchasing or leasing a car
- Improving credit/savings and budgeting
- Purchasing a home, appliance or furniture
- Navigating college applications and financial aid
- Mental health support
- And much more
By addressing personal and professional barriers that employees face, WorkWays helps create a more focused, motivated and engaged workforce. This leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction, which in turn reduces turnover rates and recruitment and training costs.
WorkWays is free to employees, no matter what position they hold in a workplace. And Resource Navigators offer in-person, phone, or virtual meetings so that employees can schedule times that are most convenient for them and their busy lives. All assistance is completely confidential, and all sessions are held privately.
While most companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), studies show that only about five percent of employees take advantage of them. “WorkWays and EAPs share the goal of supporting employees with personal challenges outside of the scope of HR, but they have different approaches,” says WorkWays Resource Navigator Ariel Keene. “In addition to maximizing usage of an EAP, we focus on providing holistic support to employees and anyone living with them by connecting them to critical resources to help them at home—and to help them bring their best selves to work.”
Partnering with WorkWays demonstrates a company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and professional growth. This enhances the company’s reputation as a caring and responsible employer and fosters a positive organizational culture. Such a reputation can attract top talent and improve employee morale and loyalty.
“As business leaders, we can–and must–do better to show our workers that their contributions are valued,” adds Baker. “The success of our businesses and communities depends on it.”
Learn more about how WorkWays can support local employees and businesses here.
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