WorkEqual is the brainchild of Sonya Lennon, writer, designer, entrepreneur, and social activist. The company began empowering people in 2011 as the Irish office for global charity franchise Dress for Success. Building upon a decade of helping women (re) enter the workforce by providing styling, confidence support as well as HR services, Sonya and the organisation’s board further created an advocacy voice to drive a focus on reducing the gender pay gap in Ireland. 2021 ushered in the fruits of this voice when pay gap reporting became mandatory. In this same year, Dress for Success rebranded into WorkEqual to extend support to both men and women.
Today, there is no typical WorkEqual client. We support men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic locations around Ireland. What WorkEqual clients have in common is that they face challenges (re)entering the Irish work force. Those challenges might include a perceived need to upskill or a general lack of self-confidence. Wherever a person finds themselves in their personal journey, that is where WorkEqual will meet them. We embrace the whole person and strive to deliver the support services free of charge that will empower each client to shape their future.
The path to employment can have many stages. At WorkEqual, we aim to give our clients the confidence to keep moving forward. Our network of 40 professional volunteers to provide our clients support with creating a CV, understanding job descriptions, and holding mock interviews. Often, they find clients surprised to realise that they possess a myriad of skills gained from life experiences or jobs they held years before. Our Career Centre volunteers help bring those “hidden” skills to the forefront and position clients as viable candidates for employment.
Mentorship is another avenue for volunteers to engage with clients and support them on their path. Mentors have the opportunity to make a deep connection and make a real impact on the lives of our clients. Mentees benefit from structured ongoing support in reaching goals around their career and being connected to the professional sphere helping them build and practice skills. To date 9 out of 10 participants are still in employment after their mentorship experience.
Looking the part is another key aspect of joining the workforce. Our team of volunteer stylists help clients look professional and assured from their first interview to landing the job. Clients meet with a stylist and select flattering work wear from a large selection in our boutique. We cater to all body shapes and sizes so there is something for everyone.
Just like all our services, all clothing is provided free of charge. Once a WorkEqual client, always a WorkEqual client! We also remind our clients that once they secure a job, they can return to the boutique and receive a free capsule wardrobe of garments to get them started in their new job. A round of applause for their accomplishment accompanies the clothing.
WorkEqual is privileged to work with corporate partners across the country to deliver workshops and support for clients. Often individuals who once felt too nervous to ever consider visiting a large corporation’s reception desk, find themselves warmly welcomed into some of the biggest firms in Ireland. The workshops provide insights into what an employer is looking for in an interview and HR jargon is decoded into plain English. The workshops often facilitate hearing about the employment journeys of several company staff members who, like them, faced challenges returning or entering the workforce. A bond is naturally formed between the clients themselves and the staff they meet on the day. Plus, a newfound confidence propels our clients forward in their job search with a new vigour.
WorkEqual’s success speaks for itself. Six out of 10 clients land a job after their first attempt and an impressive 7.5 clients out of 10 believe they are where they want to be professionally after 12 months. Our vision is for an Ireland where everyone’s skills and potential are recognised by a society that champions workplace equality and fair remuneration. We love working each day towards fulfilling this vision.