U.S. workers face rising burnout and workplace stress

Recent data highlights rising levels of workplace stress and burnout among U.S. workers. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2026 Work in America survey, 37% of workers believe their work environment negatively impacts their mental health, an increase from 32% the previous year. Additionally, a separate survey found that 53% of 2,153 U.S. workers experienced burnout in the prior year, while 39% felt overwhelmed to the point of hindering performance.

To combat these trends, experts suggest focusing on psychological capital—comprising hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. The APA survey indicates that workers with high psychological capital are significantly less likely to feel tense during the workday (38%) compared to those with low psychological capital (55%).

Brian Hite, founder of Brian Hite Global, suggests that the experience of stress can be managed by how individuals interpret high-stakes situations. Hite distinguishes between pressure, which involves attention toward future consequences, and stress, noting that the psychological impact depends on personal interpretation of circumstances.