“For too many people, work is more of a Genesis 3 rather than Genesis 1 reality. Meryl Herr knows that personally, and she brings honesty and deep compassion to this important book. Packed with stories of ‘work hurt,’ this highly accessible volume offers at least three beautiful gifts. First, no one who’s dealing with disappointments, oppression, confusion, or toxicity at work will feel alone again after reading it. Second, it gives language to help all of us articulate the many ways work goes sideways—which is necessary if the ‘faith and work’ movement is to be grounded in reality, not romanticism. Third, and most important, it plumbs the wisdom of the Bible’s historical books to aid contemporary Christians in pursuing everyday faithfulness amidst the challenges of the modern workaday world.”

Amy L. Sherman, author of Agents of Flourishing

“When Work Hurts offers deep insight into the pain and challenges of the workplace, blending personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical advice. It speaks to those who feel the weight of work hurt, guiding them toward healing and hope through God’s redemptive purposes. As a pastor equipping the church for mission in the marketplace, I find this book invaluable. It calls us to face work pain honestly, find resilience, and live as faithful witnesses in our vocations. It is a mustread for anyone seeking to integrate faith and work with purpose and hope.”

Artie M. Lindsay, Sr., pastor of spiritual formation at Tabernacle Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan

“When Work Hurts is a compassionate, insightful guide for Christians navigating the harsh realities of work life. Meryl Herr—the leading Christian expert on this topic today—masterfully blends empathy, social science, biblical wisdom, and her own experience, offering readers faith-grounded tools to process pain and find healing. This is an important book at an important time. Strongly, emphatically recommended!”

Bryan Dik, author of Redeeming Work and coauthor of Make Your Job a Calling

“When Work Hurts honors sacred places of loss by getting ‘eye-level’—gifting us with stories that don’t feel preachy or contrived, but honest and real. And then, as if hope were a thing that shows up quietly in the dark, it guides readers stepwise into the wisdom and provision of God’s story. This book is a simple and profound gem for the many moments when our lives are not.”

Jeanette Thomas, cofounder and facilitator of Brandhearted

“The context of work has been a source of personal fulfillment and joy while also so much disillusionment, pain, and heartache in my life. In this powerful book that weaves together personal anecdotes and theological promises, Meryl Herr points us to a hopeful message that transcends our stories of work hurt without trivializing their impact. For those navigating past or present work hurt as they read this, I hope you will be encouraged—as I was—that our stories are located within a larger narrative that is still unfolding, and our co-laboring in stewarding God’s creation is not in vain.”

Mark Muha, vice president for student development at Biola University

“In a broken world, we all experience hurt from our work. But there can be times when pain experienced in the workplace is emotionally devastating. In When Work Hurts, Herr is an empathetic guide, helping those who have been wounded at work feel seen and heard. Written from her own experience of pain in the workplace, her journey towards experiencing a renewed sense of calling, and grounded in Scripture, Herr gives gentle and wise prompts to begin the healing process, so we might reclaim a sense of hope in God’s purposes for our work.”

Matthew Rusten, president of Made to Flourish