AI chatbots increasingly used by workers to manage workplace stress

A new report reveals a growing trend of employees turning to artificial intelligence to manage workplace stress rather than utilizing traditional company resources or speaking with management. According to the 2026 Workplace Well-being Report by Founder Reports, 42.6% of surveyed U.S. workers admitted to using an AI chatbot to discuss work-related stress, a figure nearly four times higher than the 10.7% who have used mental health support provided by their employers.

Data from SHRM’s 2026 Mental Health Snapshot indicates that while 87% of human resources professionals believe organizations are responsible for supporting workforce mental health, confidence in meeting these needs is declining. Currently, 62% of HR professionals feel prepared to support employee mental health, down from 70% in 2024.

The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 62.4% of respondents report that work impacts their well-being at least monthly. Despite this, only 10.8% of respondents said they had spoken to a manager about their struggles within the past year. The findings suggest a correlation between increased work stress, higher trust in AI, and decreased comfort in communicating well-being issues to supervisors.