The Ladder Initiative Blog

It's no secret that many low-wage workers struggle to make ends meet. What's less well-known is the challenges they face when it comes to getting government assistance. One of the biggest obstacles is simply knowing what assistance is available and how to apply for it. Many low-wage workers are juggling multiple jobs and don't have the time or resources to research which benefits they might be eligible for. There are also often strict eligibility requirements that can be difficult to meet. For example, many programs require participants to be employed or looking for work, which can be a challenge for those who are underemployed or facing other barriers to employment. Finally, even when low-wage workers are able to access government assistance, it's often not enough to cover all of their expenses. This can leave them caught in a cycle of working long hours just to make ends meet, with little time left over for family, friends, or leisure activities. If you're an empl...

Employees face many challenges, but one of the most pressing is transportation. When people earning below a living wage do not have reliable access to transportation, it can be difficult to get to work. This can lead to missed shifts, reduced hours, and even job loss. It’s important for employers to understand these challenges in order to best support their employees who are struggling with transportation-related issues. Let’s take a closer look at how these challenges present themselves and what employers can do to help. Understanding the Problem Low-wage employees often lack access to basic forms of transportation like personal vehicles or public transit. As a result, they must rely on friends or family members for rides or walking long distances—both of which can drastically cut into time that could otherwise be spent looking for better employment opportunities or completing necessary tasks like grocery shopping or medical visits. Those without regular access to transportation also ...

Earning below a living wage is unfortunately a reality for many workers across the country. It's estimated that over half of American workers earn less than $15 an hour, which is considered to be the minimum amount needed to make ends meet. This means that many individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet, despite working full-time jobs. In this blog post, we'll discuss why earning below a living wage can be so difficult for those affected and what employers can do to help. The Struggles of Earning Below a Living Wage When employees earn below a living wage, it can be incredibly difficult for them to make ends meet. This often means that they have to take on multiple jobs in order to afford basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. Working multiple jobs also means that their time is stretched thin, leaving little room for rest or leisure activities. This can lead to extreme levels of stress and fatigue, which can have serious impacts on employees’ mental h...