Work Sharing Awareness Increases

Last year, we completed streamlining the Work Sharing application process and kicked off a public awareness campaign about the unemployment program designed to help employers avoid the costs of layoffs while holding onto their skilled employees. On every front, the results have been impressive. Over the past year we have seen a 31 percent increase in employer applications and a 20 percent boost in employer awareness about the program. We also launched a dedicated Work Sharing help line (1-916-464-3343) and hosted four full capacity webinars about the program with more to come. Register now for our August 17, 2023, webinar or review our schedule for the rest of the year.

We strongly encourage any employers thinking about layoffs to instead try the newly revamped Work Sharing program. It’s now fast, simple, and flexible to participate. The program allows employers to reduce hours and wages to ride out economic downturns (or other situations triggering potential downsizing) while the EDD pays partial unemployment benefits to help support employees – positively impacting worker morale and loyalty.

To further raise awareness about this valuable program, we sent targeted emails to employers who are most likely to benefit. Specifically, EDD analyzes data from Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, for companies and industries that are at a higher risk of layoffs. We proactively contact them to provide information about Work Sharing as an alternative to layoffs. To date we have sent more than 3,700 emails to financially stressed employers in the State.