Workplace stress is not a new challenge, but its impact on mental wellness has never been more visible. Across all workplaces, employees can face mounting pressures from demanding workloads, complex organizational structures, and the expectation of constant availability. Over time, these stressors do not stay neatly contained within the workday. They affect sleep, relationships, physical health, and overall wellbeing.

When employees are supported in managing stress and setting healthy boundaries, organizations benefit through improved engagement, productivity, and resilience. Creating mentally healthy workplaces is not about eliminating stress entirely. It is about equipping people with the tools and environments they need to manage it effectively.

Rethinking Boundaries at Work

One of the most common contributors to workplace stress is the erosion of boundaries. Constant connectivity, blurred lines between professional and personal life, and difficulty saying no can all lead to burnout over time. Unhealthy boundaries may look like regularly working outside regular hours, taking on more responsibility than is sustainable, or navigating workplace relationships that negatively affect performance or wellbeing.

Healthy boundaries vary by role. Federal employees in mission-critical or on-call positions will naturally face different expectations than those in more structured schedules. Even so, regularly assessing whether boundaries are aligned with workload, capacity, and wellbeing can help employees leave work at work and maintain balance over time.

Managing Stress Before It Becomes Burnout

Not all stress is harmful. In fact, manageable levels of stress can enhance motivation and performance. When challenges are perceived as meaningful and achievable, stress can support growth and engagement. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, unmanaged, and relentless.

Burnout is now formally recognized as a workplace phenomenon resulting from prolonged, unmanaged stress. It is often characterized by exhaustion, emotional detachment from work, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. Recovery from burnout can be difficult, which makes prevention essential.

Effective stress management begins with prioritization. Understanding what truly requires immediate attention and what can wait reduces unnecessary pressure. When priorities are unclear, open conversations between employees and supervisors can prevent misalignment and overload.

Equally important is focusing on what is within one’s control. While it is easy to become consumed by factors beyond personal influence, such as others’ decisions or behaviors, stress is reduced when attention is redirected toward actions, responses, and communication choices that can be managed directly.

Perspective also matters. Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn or grow can significantly reduce the adverse effects of stress. While not every situation will feel positive, reframing stressors where possible can improve both performance and wellbeing.

The Power of Taking a Break

One of the simplest and most overlooked strategies for improving mental wellness at work is taking regular breaks. Many employees skip lunch or work through breaks due to heavy workloads or the belief that stepping away will reduce productivity. Research consistently shows the opposite.

Routine breaks help prevent decision fatigue, improve concentration, and support emotional regulation. Stepping away allows the brain to rest and reset, which is essential for sustained performance. Short breaks throughout the day can be just as valuable as longer ones.

Breaks do not need to be elaborate. A brief walk, stretching, breathing exercises, or even a few moments of quiet reflection can restore focus and reduce stress. Encouraging a culture that supports breaks rather than discourages them sends a clear message that mental wellness is valued.

Creating a Personal Mental Wellness Plan

There is no single approach that works for everyone. Mental wellness strategies must be tailored to individual roles, responsibilities, and personal circumstances. What matters most is intentionality. Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time. Support resources such as Employee Assistance Programs and wellness coaching can help employees identify practical strategies, set realistic goals, and address barriers to change. These resources also provide a confidential space to reflect, problem solve, and build resilience.

Healthy workplaces are built through a combination of individual action, supportive leadership, and organizational commitment. When mental wellness is prioritized, employees are better equipped to meet the demands of their roles and sustain long-term success in the service of their missions.

Sources:

– Charles, Susan T et al. “The mixed benefits of a stressor-free life.” Emotion (Washington, D.C.) vol. 21,5 (2021): 962-971. doi:10.1037/emo0000958

– Jabr, Ferris. “Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime.” Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2013, www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

– Selig, Meg. “How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers.” Psychology Today, 17 Apr. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

– World Health Organization. “Burn-out ‘as an “Occupational Phenomenon’: International Classification of Diseases.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 28 May 2019, www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests and the meaningful work happening across Magellan. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, and highlights the impact demonstrated by individuals in their roles at Magellan.

This month, we’re getting to know Jennifer Friedrich, vice president, federal program operations, military counseling division, federal market. Jennifer has been with Magellan since 2012.

Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

My workday has a high operational tempo and is centered on maintaining operational excellence within the military counseling division, a team of over 1,750 associates including project management staff, Military & Family Life counselors and personal financial counselors. I focus on supporting our government customer, our employees and the organization as a whole by balancing priorities, addressing emerging needs and ensuring our teams have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Each day requires adaptability, collaboration and a steady focus on delivering high-quality outcomes in support of the military counseling mission.

What is your biggest strength?

My greatest strength is my ability to lead through a human-centered, strength-based approach. My leadership, counseling and teaching philosophies naturally intersect and are grounded in humanistic psychology. I focus on identifying and amplifying each individual’s strengths and intentionally aligning them with meaningful growth opportunities. This approach builds trust, enhances intrinsic motivation and supports employee wellbeing and confidence, resulting in more engaged, capable and resilient teams.

How do you feel you excel in supporting your team(s)?

I excel in supporting my teams by modeling and encouraging balance, reflection and self-care as essential components of sustained performance. Magellan has afforded me the ability to maintain work-life balance, which enables me to remain focused, present and mission-driven. I translate this into my leadership by advising employees to intentionally set aside time each day to pause, evaluate and invest in themselves. I recognize that personal wellbeing directly supports effectiveness, engagement, and long-term success.

What is your favorite thing to do during your time off?

Traveling is my favorite way to spend time off. I enjoy exploring new geographic locations, immersing myself in different cultures and experiencing the food and traditions that make each place unique. Travel allows me to recharge, broaden my perspective and return with renewed energy and curiosity that carries over into my work and daily life.

What is the best career advice that you have received or have learned through your own experiences?

The best career advice I have learned through experience is to lead and work with purpose. Magellan has compassionately pushed my leadership growth edge by fostering a thriving, supportive environment that encourages reflection and development. I advise employees to explore their inner “why” and pursue opportunities that align with their values and sense of purpose. When individuals are engaged in meaningful work, they become more effective, connected and resilient, which are invaluable benefits that extend both inside and outside the workplace.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about their quicky personality traits and share a picture!

I have four pets: Oliver, Sage, Teddy and Poppy, and each has a wonderfully unique personality! Oliver is the loyal protector of the group, always keeping a watchful eye on everyone. Sage oversees all activity like a wise manager, making sure nothing goes unnoticed. Teddy truly lives up to her name. She’s our cuddly teddy bear and resident comforter. Poppy is a nonstop bouncing ball of energy who keeps us on our toes.

Together, they bring an incredible amount of joy and unconditional love to our home.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Michelle Penman, training manager, family advocacy support services, federal market. Michelle has been with Magellan since August 2016.

Continue reading to learn more about Michelle:

Do you have any secret talents/ something you’re very good at that would surprise others?

I love to read and craft. My hidden talent is knitting. I have made items big and small. Currently, I am working on a shawl to wear once the weather gets cooler again.

What are you currently reading?

I am embarking on getting my Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, so I am mainly reading textbooks. When I have the time, I like to read sci-fi and mysteries. I love a good classic like Dune or Devil in the White City.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is to hang out with family. As a retired military spouse, I spent years away. We decided to move back closer to our family and it has been the best decision! We love to play games, have bonfires, watch movies and go on adventures together.

What are some goals that you have for yourself, both personal and career, that you hope to achieve over the next five to ten years?

I would like to achieve earning my Master of Arts degree. It’s a lifelong dream of mine. I would also like to continue working in federal contracts. I would love to someday be a program manager for a contract!

What is your self-care routine after the work week/ favorite ways to unwind after work?

I love good food! I like to make tasty and nutritious meals for my family. I enjoy including my three kids in the process of making new recipes so that I can show them that cooking is fun and it’s okay to experiment and deviate from the traditional recipes. I also love growing my own produce! It’s truly a joy to make something of your own from scratch.

While recently giving a presentation on counseling clients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I had a more than professional concern: I am on the spectrum as well. Not that far along, true, but still on it, and if you were not to suspect this meeting me, it is only because a lifetime of learning to function successfully in the neurotypical world has borne fruit. As an autistic clinician, I offer these insights to help colleagues better understand and effectively support neuroalternate clients. (Note: “Neuroalternate” is a term I have personally coined and will be used in place of the clinical term “neurodivergent” for the purposes of this article.)

What is the Neuroalternative Experience?

The neuroalternate experience is like listening to someone who is not a native speaker of your language; while you may understand them, it takes extra effort. In contrast to a richly diverse and kinetic environment, what we prefer, long for, and even need is one that is straightforward, structured, predictable, and low in stimulation. Any deviation from this is unwelcome, stressful, and overloads our circuits. Social rituals and expectations appear strange and nonsensical, and the cues that accompany them are perplexing and inscrutable. There seems no good reason to pay attention to them (despite often getting us, obviously, into hot water).

Direct Communication: Clarity Over Social Rituals

From a neuroalternate perspective, communication the way we want it is direct and straightforward, even blunt. There’s no need for niceties. Just say what you mean, mean what you say, and get on with it. Keeping up with a group conversation is like keeping your eyes on each ant in a swarm of ants. Sarcasm, double meanings, plays on words, idioms, and colloquialisms can go over our heads. Thus, we can sometimes come across as painfully earnest in conversation. True, we don’t enjoy the misunderstandings resulting from all this, but it’s hard for us to see what to do about them. That’s where counseling comes in.

Key Considerations for Clinicians Working with Neuroalternate Clients

Drawing from my clinical experience and personal perspective as an autistic counselor, here are key insights for working with neuroalternate clients.

1. Don’t try to make them into someone they’re not and can’t be. By the time they get to us, most clients are already beaten up by years of expectations they cannot meet and have failed at, leaving them feeling excluded and often ashamed.
2. Remember that neuroalternates do have a need for human relationships. However, after repeated collisions with the neurotypical world, isolation becomes preferable to pain.
3. Accept that to the neuroalternate, relationships built purely on social interactions – hanging out, chatting, bantering – will likely be unrewarding. Likewise, acknowledge that acquiring an instinctive feel for social cues will not happen. It would be like trying to get someone who is color-blind to see color.
4. Use concepts from physical objects to engage. Neuroalternates are drawn to concrete things, so progress can be made on this basis. Think of signals or gauges; if we know what they mean, we can react even if we do not understand the processes behind them. Thus, identifying social cues and learning how to respond to them must be framed in terms of reading instruments that tell the operator to take specific actions. To a neurotypical, this may come across as mechanistic and off-putting; however, it is something the neuroalternate mind can embrace and work with.
5. Be quiet, calm, and patient, and let the client approach you. Buy-in – the alliance – is even more critical than with other clients, since change can feel especially threatening to the neuroalternate client’s sense of self. Reassure them that you will help them learn to cope with the world only as much as they need to yet still remain themselves.

In conclusion, think of a brick wall, with the neurotypical as the bricks and the neuroalternate the mortar. Stacking the bricks on top of one another would result in a wall that is easy to push over. Likewise, mortar by itself does not a wall make. But with mortar to hold the bricks in place, you get a strong and lasting wall. We need each other.

About the Author

James P. Bruner is the high school ASACS counselor in Vicenza, Italy. He has been with ASACS since 2001 and served at three sites in Germany prior to moving to Italy. He grew up in the Upper Ohio Valley and will eventually move with his wife to be with their family in Oklahoma. His interests are in anything that’s alive, any kind of machinery, and any kind of science – frankly, just about anything.

March marks National Social Work Month, a time to honor social workers, who have an essential role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and complex life circumstances. Their dedication to advocacy and client-centered care strengthens those individuals, their families and communities. Social workers bridge gaps in care and promote recovery. This month we celebrate their commitment to helping individuals live healthy vibrant lives. We’re spotlighting two of Magellan Health’s social workers who share their experiences in this field:

• Tracy Felton, director of capture management, joined Magellan Federal in May 2015.
• David Bieschke, director, clinical care services, joined Magellan in April 2007.

Continue reading to learn more from Tracy and David on their experiences as social workers:

Why did you become a social worker and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?

Tracy: I have always been passionate about helping people, even as a young child, as a babysitter, camp counselor and community volunteer. I saw disparities in the lives of people I served and felt I wanted to make a difference by helping people pursue the lives they wanted to have. The most rewarding aspect of this field is the flexibility of the various roles I have served as a social worker. From diverse populations with children and families impacted by substance abuse and behavioral health issues to military service members and their families whose quality of life is paramount to mission readiness. Working in Philadelphia, New Haven and Washington, D.C, brings complex challenges and great opportunities to see incredible resiliency at work in often dire circumstances.

David: I became a social worker initially because I was adopted and wanted to work with other adoptees and their families. The most rewarding aspect of working in this field is being able to help others realize they have healthy choices they can make in life, both at the micro and macro level.

What are some challenges you face being a social worker, and how do you overcome them?

Tracy: Continued funding for adequate staffing, competitive salaries and program resources has become more challenging post-COVID. The country’s behavioral health crisis has increased requirements for well-trained, experienced social workers in many service capacities. The shortage of social workers means services are not being rendered, and the most severely ill remain so. With this shortage, those who remain committed to the mission and work tirelessly are more apt to experience severe burnout.

David: There are many challenges, but one I work to overcome every day is the stigma of what a social worker is and what they do in their professional role. My professional achievements have been an example of what depth a social worker can have in their career. When the opportunity arises, I educate others about the various roles social workers play, most particularly, with managed behavioral healthcare.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working in this field?

Tracy: The resilience of the human spirit and the creativity individuals and families embrace to survive and thrive is always remarkable. Watching a new mother living in a housing project, whose utilities were turned off, have the ingenious idea to put breast milk in the snow outside her door to stay cold showed me she would persevere. Partnering with such clients has given me so much joy and gratitude.

David: The social work profession has come a long way since I received my bachelor’s degree in social work in 1984. The profession has grown and diversified in all areas of behavioral health, and now more than ever there are numerous opportunities for social workers to make an impact on people’s lives.

What does National Social Worker Month mean to you?

Tracy: This is a time when we stop, focus and celebrate the incredible contributions that social workers have made to help individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential. The theme “Social Work: Compassion + Action” highlights my dedication and commitment through many years of education and training, working with remarkable clients and brilliant colleagues. I view my professional world and everything I do in it through the lens of being a social worker first. I am proud to be a social worker!

David: It means an opportunity to acknowledge the profession and to honor my social worker colleagues for their commitment and good work they do every day.

Spotlight Magellan allows coworkers to get to know one another by going beyond the surface level through facilitated discussions that delve into personal interests, experiences and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan aims to cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie across our company, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and fulfilling remote workplace culture.

This month, we’re getting to know Jennifer Moran, veterans’ benefits specialist for the federal market. Jennifer has been with Magellan federal member services since July 2015.

Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

I’m an attorney, and I was a Rating Veterans’ Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for six years, where I adjudicated disability compensation and survivors’ benefits claims. Now, I represent veterans seeking benefits before the VA, both at the regional office level and before the Board of Veterans Appeals. My workday involves a great deal of client communication: intake calls with veterans seeking benefits, providing clients with case updates and coordinating the necessary paperwork and answering general benefits questions. The rest of the time I am reviewing veterans’ medical and personnel records page by page looking for evidence to help ensure that they are awarded appropriately, communicating internally with VA to address problems that arise with claims, preparing claims and evidence for submission and continually educating myself about constant changes in VA procedures, law and policy.

Do you have any secret talents/ something you’re very good at that would surprise others?

Few people know that I can sing. My mother was a highly trained lyric soprano with a voice like Julie Andrews. I was lucky enough to inherit some of her natural talent, which I exercise with joyous abandon in my car.

What are you currently reading or binge watching?

I am a bibliophile, with a 30-foot floor-to-ceiling library in my home. I’m always reading several books at once. My current favorite is “The Elements of Marie Curie” by Dava Sobel. As for binge-watching, it’s usually historical fiction. I’m just now watching “Outlander” and “Vikings.”

What is the farthest place you’ve traveled (or would like to travel to one day)?

The furthest I’ve ever traveled is New Zealand to visit a childhood pen pal with whom I exchanged letters in the days before email. We’re both over 50-years-old now and still keep in touch.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about what quirky personality traits your animals have!

I have three dogs, all former strays. Benson is my high-strung, slightly neurotic Staffordshire terrier who runs the house and greets all visitors with a shoe. Though the smallest, he’s been known to punch his siblings to be first in line for a piece of watermelon. RocNRoll is the massive (but very chill) 80 pound pit bull I adopted from a high-kill shelter 10 minutes before he was due to be put down. His hobbies include tearing up cardboard boxes and hanging by his jaws from tree branches. Ruger is a medium-sized pit bull/ mastiff/ German Shepard mix who looks like Scrappy-Doo with heavy eyeliner. He loves to watch television and likes to carry his favorite blanket with him everywhere.

How mindfulness practices can foster resilience, wellbeing, and a sense of community.

Finding Calm in Chaos

I have been practicing tai chi and other mindfulness-based physical activities for decades. I used to struggle with significant social anxiety and stage fright. I remember trying hard to mask the anxiety I was experiencing when I had to make presentations or even in meetings during which I had to speak in front of people. I immigrated to the United States in my 20s to pursue a graduate degree in social work. English is my second language, and I grew up in Korea until I moved to the United States. Having English as a second language working in an American environment likely compounded my anxiety issues, though I recall myself being an anxious child growing up in Korea.

A decade later, my anxiety worsened when I moved back to Korea, my native country, with my American husband, who was a government employee. Shortly after returning to my native country, I joined the U.S. Army’s Adolescent Support and Counseling Service (ASACS) program (the same one I am still with today) to work with military youth on a U.S. Army base in Seoul, Korea. I enjoyed working with adolescents but found some aspects of the job quite stressful, such as running groups and making presentations. There were times I just wished to disappear because I was dreading the upcoming events and felt nauseous with anxiety.

I may be an anxious creature, but I am also a strong-willed one with grit. Since practicing tai chi, I have been involved in some mindfulness-based physical activities wherever I live worldwide. I was introduced to Taekwondo for the first time in Germany when I transferred to Germany with the same program, ASACS. The Germans thought I would be a Taekwondo genius coming from the country of Taekwondo. Sadly, to their surprise, earning a yellow belt took me a year! I also got to practice Chinese tai chi at a German Taekwondo, which helped me transition to living in Germany.

Discovering Mindfulness Through Movement

Tai chi is meditation in action. It involves mindfulness practice. Mindfulness practice is so widely accepted and practiced these days. It’s a very familiar concept, yet it’s not easy to consistently put it into practice for results. Mindfulness practice involves paying attention to what we experience in the moment without judgment, instead with openness and acceptance of the feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations that visit us. So, commitment and discipline are required to see it work. The practice of mindfulness helps us become more aware of ourselves, others, and what’s happening around us, which usually leads to better decision-making and an increased sense of wellbeing and peace of mind.

When I practice tai chi, I try to keep my attention on the movements and breathing I am engaged in—however, my mind chatters about all sorts of things, disregarding my good intentions. I continue with the movements while simply noticing the mind’s chatters without judgments, keeping my attention on breathing as if they are the most precious thing. And they are, indeed! As I continued with the practice by noticing and accepting my mind’s chatters, they started quieting down. Sometimes, I even notice chatters turning kinder and gentler with occasional thoughts of gratitude.

Integrating Mindfulness into Everyday Activities

Not everyone will get excited about taking up tai chi or other physical activities. However, if you already have physical activities that you regularly practice, I encourage you to try adding a mindfulness practice to your activities. It might help enhance your exercises with better outcomes and more enjoyment, eventually leading to greater peace and balance. Having regular tai chi practice, especially with others who share the same interest in tai chi, makes a difference in how I go about my day every day. Tai chi offers a community where I connect with myself and others by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness research suggests that developing this capacity to observe ourselves and our surroundings with kindness has deep and nourishing effects on our wellbeing that ripple into our daily lives and communities.

Why Mindfulness Matters

Even if you don’t regularly participate in physical activities, you can still introduce a mindfulness practice into your daily life through daily routine. Every day, we shower, brush our hair, eat, walk, clean, etc. Anything we do, we can do mindfully. On days you feel cluttered in your head, it’s nice to try eating very slowly and savor every bite of your food. Start by simply shifting your breathing to quiet, deep breaths. You may find this helps quell anxiety and feel better grounded. It doesn’t matter what we do to come to the present moment, but to just enjoy being there in totality. Breathe, smell, hear, see, taste, and sense kindly. Namaste.

At a time when workplace distraction and stress have never been a greater impediment to productivity, it would be ideal to have a resource that could help employees deal with specific issues that may be holding them back in work or personal areas.

Magellan’s Wellbeing Coaching targets problem areas for employees and helps them achieve resolutions that clear the way for improved performance.

Workplace inattention

60% of employees can’t go 30 minutes without getting distracted (Fortune 2024) and employees lose over 5 work hours per week thinking about stressors (American Psychological Association).

What is Wellbeing Coaching?

This service, part of Magellan’s Employee Assistance Solution, helps employees and their family members focus on and manage challenging issues, build their resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Each Magellan Wellbeing Coach is a board certified coach (BCC) through Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and receive continual training and supervision to improve their skills and areas of expertise.

How does it work?

In confidential sessions conducted by phone or video, Wellbeing Coaches engage employees by listening and using motivational interviewing to help them clarify their goals and objectives, identify their relevant strengths and recognize potential roadblocks to goal attainment. Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled based on the employee’s needs, with 30-minute follow up sessions usually once every two weeks.

Wellbeing Coaches assist employees in developing customized plans to achieve their goals via a strengths-based approach, building on the positive inner resources of an individual to make changes. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in managing their wellbeing through making behavioral changes and being accountable for their progress.

Providing a different perspective

We’re often consumed by our own opinions, life experiences and way of thinking. A coach can provide a new and often helpful perspective on things (INLP Center).

How does Wellbeing Coaching benefit employers?

Wellbeing Coaching motivates and empowers employees to take action to feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives. When they focus on wellbeing in one area, other areas naturally improve, and employees experience increased confidence, engagement and loyalty. This supports a healthier, more present workforce.

Proven results

Magellan Healthcare members report a 96% overall satisfaction rating. The 4.8-out-of-5 rating includes Overall Service Quality, Achieving Goals, Coach Helpfulness, Coach Responsiveness and Resources Provided. These results demonstrate a tangible positive impact for employees and their families.

Learn more about Magellan’s Employer Solutions