Survey: Workers struggle with feelings of job insecurity

Results from the American Psychological Association (APA)’s 2025 Work in America Survey show that economy, technology and government policy changes created more mental stress and feelings of job insecurity.

The Harris Poll conducted the online survey of 2,000 working adults on behalf of APA.

Policy changes like tariffs, leading to trade wars with other countries, have had a negative impact on certain industries like manufacturing, agriculture and retail. Nearly two thirds of employees surveyed said their company or organization was impacted by those policies.

Economically, Americans are struggling with inflationary costs and a relatively stagnant job market. Adding an increased reliance on AI for certain jobs and employees are worried they may soon become obsolete.

Thirty-five percent of workers said they are using AI on a monthly basis with only 18% reporting their employer had an official policy on how to use AI appropriately.

Another survey takeaway is change. Many employees do not like change, but they respond better to it if they feel psychologically safe within their jobs.

The APA noted that workers satisfied by their employer’s mental health support were far less likely to be concerned about losing their jobs under economic instability. Workers who felt as if they matter to their employer and to their coworkers were also less likely to be concerned about losing their job.

On social media about the survey, Dennis P. Stolle, JD, Ph.D., the head of applied psychology at the APA, said he was most concerned about the result regarding employee satisfaction. When asked if they were “very satisfied” in the workplace, 65% of upper management reported affirmatively compared to 37% of frontline workers.

In an email, Stolle discussed the disparity between upper management and frontline workers. He said that while upper management is often the driver of change within an organization, they also have a responsibility to not just see their own perspective but also those who report to them.

“When findings show that upper management are ‘very satisfied’ with their jobs at significantly higher rates than middle management, frontline workers or individual contributors, it raises questions about how aware leaders are of the experiences of others in the organization,” he said.
“The job satisfaction gap also highlights two sides of the equation: what is contributing to satisfaction at the top of the chart, and what may be missing for those in frontline and mid-level roles that leads to fewer of them being highly satisfied.”

Stolle said upper management should consider using tools like focus groups and surveys and foster a culture of psychological safety where workers feel free to share their real views.

The APA offered suggestions for employees on how to handle feelings of instability. These included making a list of skills and accomplishments, updating resumes and building a bond with colleagues.

And, for those really struggling, APA advised seeking out community health services, noting the opportunity to talk to someone can have a profound impact on wellbeing.