Bridges: A Digital Intervention to Increase Workplace Belonging (Bridges)

Workplace belonging is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to employee well-being, engagement, and overall quality of life. Belonging refers to the experience of feeling accepted, valued, respected, supported, and connected to others. Individuals who experience low levels of belonging may report feelings of isolation, exclusion, loneliness, or disconnection, which can negatively affect mental health, physical health, workplace satisfaction, and professional fulfillment.

Changes in the workplace following the COVID-19 pandemic have altered how employees connect with one another. The growth of remote and hybrid work arrangements has created new opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, while also reducing opportunities for workplace interaction and social connection. As a result, many organizations are seeking innovative approaches to support employee well-being and foster a sense of belonging in increasingly digital work environments.

LGBTQ+ employees may face additional challenges related to workplace belonging. Experiences of discrimination, stigma, exclusion, or lack of organizational support can contribute to lower levels of belonging and well-being. Although many workplace wellness and diversity initiatives exist, few evidence-based programs have been developed specifically to address workplace belonging among LGBTQ+ employees.

To address this need, researchers developed Bridges, a digital intervention designed to promote workplace belonging and well-being among LGBTQ+ workers. Bridges combines personalized text messaging with web-based activities, self-reflection exercises, educational content, opportunities for self-appraisal, and practical workplace strategies designed to strengthen workplace belonging. The program is designed to help participants better understand belonging, reflect on their workplace experiences, develop skills that support connection and inclusion, and identify actionable steps that may strengthen their sense of belonging at work.

The Bridges intervention was developed using principles from behavior change science and a participatory design approach. LGBTQ+ worker advisors were actively involved in informing program content, design, usability, and overall user experience throughout development.

The purpose of this Phase I study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the Bridges intervention. A total of 136 LGBTQ+ employees participated in a 30-day pilot study. Of the 136 enrolled participants, 127 completed the one-month follow-up assessment. Participants received text messages and access to online program content and activities during the study period. Participants completed baseline and one-month follow-up assessments measuring workplace belonging, professional fulfillment, burnout, emotional well-being, resilience, confidence, anxiety, depression, and related psychosocial outcomes.

This study used a single-arm pre-post pilot design. Eligible participants completed a baseline assessment, received access to the Bridges intervention for approximately 30 days, and completed a follow-up assessment at the end of the intervention period. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes were evaluated alongside exploratory assessments of psychosocial and workplace well-being outcomes.

The primary objectives of the study were:

1. To evaluate the feasibility of the Bridges intervention, as measured by participant engagement with text messaging and online program components during the 30-day pilot period.
2. To evaluate the acceptability of the intervention, as measured through usability, satisfaction, and participant willingness to recommend the program to others.
3. To explore preliminary changes in workplace belonging, professional fulfillment, burnout, emotional well-being, resilience, confidence, anxiety, depression, and related psychosocial outcomes following participation in the program.

Study findings will be used to refine the Bridges intervention and inform future research on digital interventions designed to promote workplace belonging and well-being for LGBTQ+ employees and other populations experiencing challenges related to workplace belonging and connection.