Work Shield

About Work Shield

Work Shield offers a technology-driven, full-service platform for managing workplace misconduct, positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for employers. The company was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 2018 by Jared Pope, his wife Jennifer Pope, and Travis Foster. The founding was heavily influenced by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which highlighted systemic issues in how workplace harassment and discrimination were being handled.

Jared Pope, the CEO, has a background as an ERISA, benefits, and employment law specialist. Through his legal practice, he witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of traditional internal reporting systems and hotlines, which often left the burden of investigation on the employer and exposed them to risk. This experience, combined with an entrepreneurial drive, led him to develop a third-party platform that removes the employer and associated fear from the investigation process, ensuring impartiality.

Work Shield's business model is centered on providing an end-to-end service that covers the reporting, investigation, and resolution of misconduct incidents. The company serves employers of all sizes, from 50 to 50,000 employees, across various industries. Revenue is generated through a subscription-based model where pricing is scaled based on the number of employees covered and the level of support required. The core offering is a platform that allows employees to report issues securely and, if desired, anonymously, via multiple channels. Unlike intake-only platforms, Work Shield's key differentiator is its network of certified legal professionals who conduct neutral, attorney-led investigations into serious misconduct claims. This process is designed to resolve incidents approximately 80% faster than the national average.

The platform provides clients with a co-branded portal, 24/7 mobile and call center reporting access, and an incident management hub for tracking investigation progress. For employers, the service offers data and analytics capabilities, giving them real-time visibility into workplace trends, risk areas, and reporting patterns to inform business decisions. By outsourcing the investigation process, Work Shield aims to reduce legal exposure and settlement costs for its clients, minimize disruption, and free up internal HR teams to focus on other initiatives. The company has secured over $10 million in funding through rounds led by investors like Hoak & Co. and Ballast Point Ventures to expand its technology and sales infrastructure.