As the economic situation and rules from the government keep changing, more than half of U.S. workers say that feeling insecure at work seriously harms their mental well-being, the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Work in America™ survey shows.
Fifty-four percent of respondents surveyed in this study by The Harris Poll say that job stability is causing them stress. The research reveals that changes in policy and financial instability are putting stress on employees all over the country.
65% of those surveyed noted that the organization had been influenced by recent government regulations, and out of these, 20% reported facing significant consequences that led to big changes in either strategy or operations. Looking forward, about 42% think there will be additional changes to public policy, and this opinion is stronger among government staff, with 53% expecting further changes.
Unpredictable conditions have caused more people to feel insecure about their jobs. A greater percentage of those feeling government changes every day at work—70%—blame job uncertainty for their stress, in contrast to 39% of others not heavily affected. Furthermore, 39% reported that they are worried about losing their role this year because of updated regulations.
It is additionally stressful when people believe that finding a new job will be hard. Two-thirds (66%) of those concerned about government-caused job loss said they would need a long time to find another job. 55% of people thought they would have to move into a new sector instead.
Economic anxiety adds to these fears. A total of 44% of respondents indicated concern about being laid off or furloughed due to an anticipated downturn or recession, up from 36% in 2024, and back to the levels of 2023. Inflation rising to 4.2% in early 2025, after moderating the previous year, may also have reignited this anxiety.
The psychological burden associated with worry is apparent. Employees working in organizations affected by a change in policy are more likely to describe feelings of emotional exhaustion, disengagement, and lingering ambiguity. These worries affected employees outside of work, with employees indicating that they had suffered sleep disruptions, and personal relationships were increasingly strained.
However, the survey indicates three important domains that employers can support. Workers who felt valued by their employer/ manager were significantly less fearful of losing their jobs. Workers who were satisfied with the mental health supports available at work were also less anxious about threats to the economy (42% vs. 52%). Tenure was also important, in regard to employee exit intentions; workers describing a positive working relationship with their manager were far less likely to describe work as toxic (10% vs. 55%).
APA indicated that a positive workplace culture can ameliorate the potential impact of job insecurity. Creating a sense of belonging, developing good mental health supports, and investing in development opportunities for leadership are all essential priorities.
To support employees in managing uncertainty, APA recommends keeping track of skillsets and accomplishments, forming friendships with co-workers, and utilizing low-cost access to behavioral health resources. To get immediate assistance, workers can contact the 988 Lifeline for 24/7 confidential support by call, text, or chat. With the ever-evolving landscape of the American workplace, experts note that it is not only ethical to prioritize employee well-being, but it also contributes to organizational resilience.
References: American Psychological Association. Majority of U.S. workers say job insecurity has significant impact on their stress. Work in America 2025 Report. Published May 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2025/index
