Unlocking Employee Potential: Insights from Connie Beal on Supporting Workforce Stability
In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough engage in an in-depth conversation with Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges. Connie delves into the intricacies of the Working Bridges program, which collaborates with employers to enhance employee retention, advancement, and financial stability through community resources. She shares real-life examples of how the program addresses critical employee needs like housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health. The discussion also explores barriers to implementing such programs in small businesses, the importance of assessing employee benefits, and the broader systemic issues affecting workers today. This episode underscores the vital role of comprehensive support systems in creating thriving workplaces.
You can learn more about United Way's Working Bridges here: https://www.gmunitedway.org/working-bridges
00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast
00:27 Meet Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges
00:39 Understanding Working Bridges
03:54 Real-Life Examples of Employee Support
05:08 Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace
07:11 Navigating Financial Stability and Benefit Cliffs
10:33 The Importance of Mental Models in the Workplace
15:16 Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses
19:45 Supporting Small Businesses Through Training and Education
26:05 Assessing and Enhancing Employee Benefits
32:00 Encouragement for Employers to Seek Help
35:09 Employer's Role in Problem-Solving
36:16 Boundary Setting and HR's Role
37:41 Challenges Faced by HR
39:21 Employee Benefits and Community Resources
40:29 Supporting Essential Workers
42:11 The Importance of Trust and Support Systems
44:58 The Privilege of Showing Up for Work
47:50 The Role of Workplace Support in Employee Stability
49:46 Systemic Challenges and Worker Resilience
50:36 Reflecting on the American Worker
54:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations