The modern workplace comes with modern challenges, including significant stress. While automation and technology have made our lives easier in some areas, the American Institute of Stress reports some troubling statistics. These workplace stress statistics reveal key insights into what’s worrying workers and how it affects them.

If you feel dangerously close to burnout, you’re not alone. Read on to discover how common workplace stress really is.

How stressed are we?

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a new era in the American workplace. From overloaded healthcare systems to a sudden pivot to remote work, the last few years have been unprecedented to say the least.

While some changes are for the better, like eliminating commutes for remote workers, employees are still having a tough time.

1. Half of North American workers feel daily work-related stress

A Gallup survey found that 49% of workers in the U.S. and Canada report feeling stressed every day due to their jobs. The impact is even more pronounced among younger workers, with 59% of employees under 35 experiencing daily stress—9% higher than their older colleagues.

Stress isn’t just an occasional challenge — it’s a daily reality for nearly half the workforce. Without proper intervention, this can lead to burnout, disengagement, and declining productivity. Companies must prioritize mental health initiatives and workload management strategies to combat this growing issue.

2. More than 70% of Gen Z employees struggle with workplace well-being

Research shows that 71% of Gen Z workers and 59% of Millennials have low work health scores, meaning they struggle with workplace well-being at significantly higher rates than older generations.

Younger employees are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and burnout than their older colleagues. This suggests that traditional workplace structures may not be meeting the expectations and needs of newer generations, highlighting the need for better mental health support, career growth opportunities, and flexible work arrangements.

3. More than half of workers feel burned out due to their jobs

In 2024, 52% of employees reported experiencing burnout in the past year as a direct result of their jobs.

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired — it’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Left unaddressed, burnout leads to higher resignation rates, increased healthcare costs, and lower overall job satisfaction. Employers must recognize burnout as a serious workplace issue and implement policies to prevent it.

4. 76% of employees report moderate to high stress levels at work

More than three-quarters of employees say they experience moderate to high levels of workplace stress, with excessive workloads being the most common stressor.

Excessive stress is not only a personal health concern — it’s a business liability. Companies that fail to address employee stress risk lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and a disengaged workforce. Businesses must find ways to create healthier, more manageable workloads.

5. Burnout in finance and insurance jobs is higher than in other industries

A survey by Deloitte found that 17% of employees in finance and insurance roles experience burnout, compared to 12% in other industries.

Certain industries — especially high-pressure, high-stakes sectors like finance — have significantly higher burnout rates than others. This suggests that industry-specific mental health initiatives are needed to support employees in demanding fields.

6. 45% of workers believe the pandemic has worsened their burnout

The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for most Americans. Lockdowns and remote work made it impossible for some employees to “get away from the office,” while essential workers were exposed to illness, a poorly-behaved public, and few incentives to make up for it. That’s why nearly half of employees believe the pandemic worsened their burnout.

7. Women report higher workplace stress than men

A recent Gallup study found that 50% of working women report feeling stressed at work, compared to 40% of men.

Workplace stress disproportionately affects women, likely due to factors like the gender pay gap, caregiving responsibilities, and workplace biases. Employers need to address gender-specific stressors through fair pay, family-friendly policies, and supportive workplace cultures.

8. 59% of employees experience negative effects of work stress every month

Almost 60% of employees say that work-related stress has negatively impacted their health, relationships, or personal well-being in the last month alone.

Workplace stress doesn’t just disappear when employees log off — it follows them home, affecting their personal lives, health, and long-term happiness. If businesses want to maintain a healthy, engaged workforce, they need to take stress reduction seriously.

9. 52% of employees have considered leaving their jobs due to mental health concerns

More than half of the workforce has thought about resigning due to mental health issues stemming from their jobs, indicating a significant impact of workplace conditions on employee retention.​

This finding emphasizes the importance for employers to prioritize mental health support and create a culture that promotes psychological well-being, as neglecting these aspects can lead to increased turnover and associated costs.​

The bottom line

The majority of U.S. workers experience workplace stress, and a startling number report that they’re close to burnout. Slowing down and finding the right work/life balance can go a long way toward breaking out of the burnout cycle.

When a quarter of employees cite their job as their top source of stress—in spite of everything else going on in the world—that’s a sign of a major underlying problem. Employees in these situations need to impress upon their employers the importance of addressing the issues that are leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.

Sometimes, the only solution is to change your job. “The Great Resignation” has been disconcerting for workers and employers alike, but it’s unsurprising given these stress in the workplace stats. If you’re experiencing consistent, chronic workplace stress, a change of pace might be just what you need. There’s always room for improvement. Take charge of your mental, physical, and emotional health by seeking a better work/life balance.

Free insights to help you take control of business finances.
Discover the best tips, tricks, and tools for better money management.