Empowering Mindful Workplaces
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Eight months into my word for the year, listening, my heart is so excited to share with you what I have heard. Please don’t miss out on what I am about to share with you. I often use the phrase “painting it done”, meaning I want you to see the entire picture, with all its details. Two years ago, United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) committed to understanding the needs of our workforce, and United at Work (UAW) came to fruition. Hurricane Ian propelled it into existence thanks to many investors. At our inaugural UAW summit last year, Mr. Soderberg of the Elsa and Peter Soderberg Foundation challenged our community – stating everyone has a role and an obligation to ensure a successful workforce. He is very passionate about listening to those we serve, those in the workforce. Our team has taken this to heart.
Our paradise depends on our workforce. To sustain this beautiful place, our employees live here and work here. We need them to grow here, stay here, thrive here.
The workforce I speak of frequently, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, are working hard but still struggling to provide for their families. Supporting the ALICE population through programs like UAW gives these crucial employees essential tools and resources to achieve their fullest potential, which in turn creates a more resilient workforce.
Over the course of the year, we’ve been listening to twenty community businesses who have acted to foster resilience and collaboration in the workplace. Our learnings have been many, with individuals at these businesses noting changed behaviors. We are excited to see some momentum, but we must go further.
Why does this matter?
Many employee’s come to work, smiling and then leave for two or more other jobs, so that they can pay their bills. They cannot afford basics like food, paper towels, shampoo, or conditioner. Seeking help from payday loans or family members is frequent. They are not able to read with their child and help with homework due to all the jobs. Small setbacks or stressors to most people are huge to ALICE due to the many stressors that have built up over time eventually leading to an acute health or other crisis. Often these stressors can lead to financial or mental health challenges.
If you knew these things, what would you do differently? If you are a business in Charlotte County, how do you respond?
Identifying and responding to mental health in the workplace through our UAW program is a priority for UWCC. We invite you to join us for the 2nd Annual United at Work Summit on October 30, 2024 – there is no other event like this in our community. We are honored to have Mike Luster, Lead Clinician & Mental Health Trainer, as our Keynote Speaker. Mike is the Founder of Mental Health Resources and will be here from Atlanta, Georgia specifically for this summit.
We are thrilled with the extraordinary lineup of local and regional speakers who will take the stage to share their insights and experiences. By highlighting successful initiatives, these leaders will demonstrate how investing in employee well-being and development leads to higher productivity and retention. Enjoy a full day of interactive experiences while focusing on workplace mental health.
Join us for the only event of its kind in Charlotte County at an incredibly affordable rate of just $50, which includes food, refreshments and access to all sessions. For more information or to register, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/EmpoweringWorkplaces
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.
summit Speaker Vianello by United