employer-based solutions
ABOUT BRIDGES@WORK
A job doesn’t always mean stability. Transportation breakdowns, caregiving responsibilities, financial emergencies, and chronic financial stress can disrupt work even when employees are motivated and skilled. We partner directly with employers to help their workforces stay stable, because when employees are stable, businesses are stronger.
Bridges@Work is a workforce stability partnership led by United Way of Greater Cleveland that helps employers respond to these challenges. The program embeds United Way’s 211 resource network directly into the workplace, providing confidential, one-on-one support that helps employees resolve immediate disruptions while building longer-term financial stability.
“We’ve found that consistent engagement with Bridges at Work, including goal setting and regular check-ins, has directly contributed to improved retention and minimal turnover with our employees who participate.”
-Tracie Roberts, President of Montville Plastics
HOW THE MODEL WORKS
Bridges@Work is a workplace-embedded benefit designed to support employees through the real-life challenges that affect work. The model promotes stability, dignity, and sustained employment.
A neutral, confidential Resource Coordinator from Bridges@Work will:
- Meet voluntarily and confidentially with employees
- Focus on resolving issues that disrupt attendance and focus
- Support forward movement toward greater stability over time
- Operate independently from HR and management
Montville Plastics & Rubber CEO Tracy Roberts shares how an on-site Bridges at Work coordinator has helped 14 employees become homeowners and lifted morale companywide — proof that investing in employee stability pays off in retention and loyalty.
BOBBY'S SUCCESS STORY
After years of struggling with predatory lenders, Bobby Wilson worked with his employer’s on-site Bridges at Work resource coordinator to pay off his debts and rebuild his credit — and within five years, bought his own home.
what employees can access
Through confidential, voluntary engagement with a Resource Coordinator, employees can access:
- Guidance connecting them to available employer benefits
- Navigation support for community resources, including transportation, childcare, and housing
- Financial education workshops
- One-on-one financial coaching
- Small-dollar, zero-interest loans
PROVEN RESULTS
In a five-year retention study spanning 2018-2023, including the COVID-19 period, more than half of Bridges@Work participants remained employed five years or longer — a strong result in high-turnover roles during an unusually volatile labor market.
LEARN MORE
Download the Bridges@Work flyer
helping employees thrive and succeed
Learn more about the data and stories behind Bridges@Work, including how employees use zero-interest loans and what the program’s results show about financial stability, confidentiality, and keeping people working.
Contact Cariss Smith at ctsmith@unitedwaycleveland.org or submit this form:
Learn more about the Bridges@Work program by nominating your company or your employer. Provide the best point of contact information below.
