Surveys Find Job Stress and Search Frustration Affecting Worker Mental Health

U.S. workers and job seekers. A Monster survey of 1,000 employed workers found 59 percent say their job negatively affects their mental health at least monthly. A Resume Genius survey of 1,000 job seekers found 49 percent say the search has negatively impacted their mental health.

U.S. employers added 115,000 jobs in April and 185,000 jobs in March. Hiring remains concentrated in health care and social assistance. Workers outside those sectors report holding positions they do not enjoy due to concerns about finding new roles amid AI adoption and economic uncertainty.

Jo-Ann, 55, of Pennsylvania, who has been laid off four times in three decades, said she fears another layoff as her employer adopts AI tools. She described receiving job offers paying $14 an hour despite experience in IT, tech, insurance, and criminal law.

The Monster survey found 46 percent of workers reported experiencing burnout, with increased workload or understaffing cited as the top stress factor.

Monster career expert Vicki Salemi said workers should first determine whether their job is causing mental health issues by examining Sunday night feelings and specific workplace conditions. She recommended identifying underlying problems and considering internal transfers or updating a resume with savings in place before quitting.

Salemi advised framing conversations with managers around skills and growth opportunities rather than directly discussing burnout.

Lisa Countryman-Quiroz of JVS said job seekers should use no-cost training programs and social supports to maintain motivation. She and Salemi recommended professional counseling when mental health is seriously affected. They also suggested recognizing the situation as temporary and engaging in physical activity such as yoga or meditation.