Bridges: A Digital Intervention to Increase Workplace Belonging

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Bridges, a digital program designed to support workplace belonging among LGBTQ+ employees.

Belonging is an important part of health and well-being. People who feel accepted, valued, connected, and included often experience better mental and physical health. However, many LGBTQ+ individuals experience discrimination, stigma, exclusion, or isolation in workplace settings, which can negatively affect their sense of belonging and overall well-being.

Bridges was developed to help LGBTQ+ employees build a stronger sense of belonging at work. The program combines personalized text messages with online activities, self-reflection exercises, practical workplace strategies, and opportunities to learn skills that may support connection, inclusion, and well-being.

This study will enroll LGBTQ+ adults who are currently employed. Participants will use the Bridges program for approximately 30 days. During the study, participants will receive text messages and have access to online tools and activities. Participants will also complete surveys to assess their experiences, sense of workplace belonging, and feedback about the program.

The primary purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether the Bridges program is feasible and acceptable to participants. Researchers will examine participant engagement with the program and satisfaction with its content and usability. The study will also explore whether participation in Bridges is associated with improvements in workplace belonging, well-being, and related outcomes.

Information gathered from this study will be used to improve the program and guide future research on digital interventions designed to support belonging and well-being among LGBTQ+ employees.

Conditions

• Belonging
• Mental Health
• LGBTQ

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Bridges

Bridges is a digital behavioral intervention designed to support workplace belonging and well-being among LGBTQ+ employees. The program combines personalized text messaging with web-based educational content, self-reflection activities, self-assessment tools, and practical workplace strategies. Participants received tailored text messages throughout the 30-day intervention period and were provided access to an online platform containing interactive activities and resources. Program content focused on helping participants understand workplace belonging, reflect on workplace experiences, develop skills that support connection and inclusion, build confidence in addressing workplace challenges, and identify actionable steps to enhance belonging and well-being at work. The intervention was developed using behavior change science principles and a participatory design approach involving LGBTQ+ worker advisors.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Pennsylvania

  collaborator OTHER

• Pro-Change Behavior Systems

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-14

Primary Completion

2025-11-22

Completion

2025-11-22

Countries

• United States

Study Locations