The American workforce is burdened by surging stress in 2025, fueled by global political turmoil and unmet mental health needs. Nearly 40% of employees have cried at work in the past month, according to a new survey from Modern Health. This organization is determined to create a healthier, more resilient workforce with personalized high-quality care. On top of that, nearly half of employees say their life was easier during the pandemic than it is in 2025.
What’s Driving The Surging Stress Among Employees?
The new administration has made it clear that all federal employees must return to the office, no matter where they live or how long they’ve been fully remote, despite the fact that research shows remote jobs are best for the company’s bottom line. A recent study finds that job burnout is at 66% in 2025—an all-time high and suggests that return-to-office (RTO) mandates may exacerbate stressors for workers already struggling in today’s demanding workplace. Economic uncertainty and global political turmoil also are stoking workplace mental health challenges.
Modern Health conducted a survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. employees to understand the state of mental health across America’s workforce at the start of 2025. Results show that current events top the list of negative mental health drivers, even outpacing crime and finances.
Current Mental Health Drivers
A few key highlights from the study include: 75% report experiencing some form of low mood, largely driven by politics and current events. 74% say they want mental health resources specifically addressing global political turmoil. Half of employed Americans are pessimistic about the country’s direction. Almost half (54%) of respondents say life was easier during the Covid-19 pandemic than it is now—just two months into 2025. 96% report following at least one recent news story about global political or economic turmoil, citing FAA changes, government budget cuts, and data breaches as most harmful to their mental health. 71% of employees believe political tensions are making it harder to foster a positive workplace culture. 74% say political uncertainty can lead to more burnout at work.
A significant portion (61%) of Gen Z employees are even questioning their career paths due to the current global political climate’s impact on their mental health. A full 60% say a lack of mental health support makes them less likely to stay at their job. And 54% say their mental health has never fully recovered from the pandemic.
Balancing Organizational Realities
Maureen Calabrese, chief people officer at Modern Health, highlighted that today’s People Teams are balancing immense pressures—not just from employees seeking more support, but from organizational realities that require doing more with less. She states that the challenge isn’t just about burnout—it’s about finding sustainable ways to support employees while navigating real business constraints. Calabrese believes those organizations that get this right will be the ones to create resilient, thriving workplaces even in uncertain times.
“In an era where employees are navigating more uncertainty than ever, the best benefits are those that support building a workplace culture of trust and eliminating barriers to care,” according to Calabrese. “Employees want to work for organizations where well-being isn’t just encouraged but embedded into the way work gets done. The future of talent retention depends on creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
Adopt a Proactive Approach
Modern Health posed three actions employers can take to address surging stress among the American workforce. First, they advocate moving beyond crisis support to taking a preventive approach. Workplace mental health support shouldn’t just be about reacting to crises; it must help employees manage stress and build resilience before they reach a breaking point. This proactive approach includes embedding mental health into everyday workplace culture, encouraging employees to take time for well-being before burnout sets in, and offering multiple avenues for support.
Therapy is not the only answer. Coaching, digital tools, and peer support all play crucial roles. Making mental health support feel as normal as physical health support is essential. Just as employees wouldn’t wait until a medical emergency to see a doctor, they shouldn’t wait until a crisis to seek mental health support.
Aid Supervisors
Supporting managers is also critical. Modern Health emphasizes that managers are on the front lines of employee well-being, yet most feel unprepared to support their teams. Instead of leaving managers to navigate these challenges alone, Modern Health advocates training managers to recognize signs of burnout and stress.
Managers don’t need to be therapists, but they do need to know when and how to direct employees to support. Providing mental health coaching for managers is essential. Leaders who prioritize their own mental well-being will be better equipped to foster a psychologically safe workplace. Making it clear that “mental health leadership” is part of the job is vital. Employees take their cues from their managers. When leaders model work-life balance and stress management, employees feel more comfortable doing the same.
Create an Environment of Trust
Building a culture of trust, not just a list of benefits, is paramount. Even the most comprehensive mental health offerings won’t make an impact if employees don’t trust their employer’s approach. Organizations should move from saying mental health matters to proving it through action by normalizing conversations about mental health at every level.
When leadership openly discusses well-being, it sends a powerful message that mental health is valued. Employers should ensure that employees know how to access resources without stigma or fear of repercussions. Making mental health benefits visible, accessible, and user-friendly is crucial. By tracking and responding to employee sentiment, organizations can address the root causes of stress rather than just adding another benefit and hoping for the best.
A Final Takeaway On Surging Stress Among Employees
In 2025, the American workforce is grappling with increased levels of stress, driven by global political instability and unaddressed mental health issues. A recent survey from Modern Health reveals that nearly 40% of employees have cried at work in the past month. Significantly, almost half of the employees believe their lives were easier during the pandemic compared to the challenges they face in 2025. By providing tailored support, Modern Health hopes to navigate these turbulent times and improve overall employee well-being. The statistics emphasize the need for employers to prioritize mental health and adapt to the evolving demands of their workforce. Investing in mental health resources is crucial for a stable and productive work environment in these challenging times.