By Lacie Blankenship
In the United States, workplace stress is reported to cause 120,000 deaths annually. Featured on the Department of Labor website, that statistic alone should be enough proof that mental health at work is a critical topic that needs to be addressed. James Edward Murray (MBA’17), CEO and Co-Founder of Therify, shares some thoughts on managing mental health at work, and employers’ roles in supporting such.
Why is managing mental health at work necessary?
James Edward Murray (MBA’17), CEO and Co-Founder of Therify
Often invisible, mental health struggles leave a strong and negative impact on all qualities of a person’s life. The United States Department of Labor reports that 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress and 54% claim that work stress affects their home life. It’s critical to recognize that in a society where people are tirelessly working to provide for basic necessities, the toll of mental health challenges is especially intense. Those working to survive–balancing jobs, families and relationships, personal health, and wellbeing–deserve support, not additional suffering from their workplace. Employees can thrive professionally and personally by managing mental health at work, but that’s not where the benefits end.
The business case for managing mental health at work
Investing in support for mental health from an employer standpoint isn’t just the right thing to do–it’s a smart business move. According to the above Department of Labor webpage, For every $1 spent on ordinary mental health concerns, employers see a $4 return in productivity gains. Employees who feel like their wellbeing is supported show up for work more engaged, motivated, and focused. When mental health struggles are left unaddressed, increased absences, higher turnover, and poor morale are likely. By investing in mental health at work, organizations enhance productivity, keep employees engaged, and attract and retain top talent, reducing the costs associated with burnout, turnover, and healthcare costs.
“If you have employees spending the majority of their days and weeks working, it’s important to make sure they’re dedicating their time to an organization that values them,” says Murray. “Prioritizing mental health at work isn’t just good business–it’s about showing up for the people who show up for you.”
Tips for employees managing mental health at work
Communicate your needs assertively
Advocating for yourself at work is essential to maintaining mental wellbeing. Whether it’s setting boundaries around workload, requesting support, or communicating needed accommodations, being clear and assertive helps create healthier work environments.
Take a step back when overwhelmed with stress
When stress peaks at work, it’s important to empower yourself to take a step back. Taking short breaks and going for a walk are just a few examples of ways you can reset and return to tasks with a clear mind.
“There’s a difference between stress and overwhelm. Overwhelm is when stress becomes so intense that you can’t function. When you’re overwhelmed, the best solution is a period of non-doing,” says Murray.
Practice mindful sequencing
Sequencing, completing tasks in a specific order, is a valuable tool for managing work stress. Making an intentional effort to tackle demanding projects when you feel most focused and saving similar tasks for when energy levels dip is a great approach that may reduce stress and improve productivity.
“Supporting mental health at work isn’t just about workplaces offering resources–it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to use the resources and feel the freedom to discuss tactics that may also help them,” says Murray.
About the Expert: Therify and James Edward Murray
Therify is a company focused on improving access to personalized in-network mental healthcare. Therify matches employees and their families with mental health providers. The company has built a network of more than 7,000 providers, facilitating thousands of therapy sessions for the 94% of members who report that their first practitioner was a great fit. The company helps business leaders understand the ROI of investing in employee wellbeing. The company was co-founded by two friends, James Edward Murray and Warren Sadler, who came together to create a platform to make mental healthcare more accessible and easier to navigate for individuals and employers alike. Murray and Sadler joined the Nashville Entrepreneur Center on the Twendé Podcast in November 2024. Watch the episode below.
