Job insecurity now emphasizes most workers in policy changes

Now, the dream of stable employment for Americans is becoming increasingly out of reach for millions of Americans. According to a new American Psychological Association survey released this week, most American workers report job insecurity is significantly affecting their stress levels.

With government policies shifting and economic problems intensifying, many employees are now worried about their livelihoods in ways that affect their job performance and personal well-being.

The 2025 work of the 2025 U.S. survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the APA reveals a workforce who encounters unprecedented uncertainty. Nearly two-thirds of adults (65%) said their organizations were affected by recent government policy changes, with 39% worried that they might lose their jobs in next year’s policy, especially as a result of policy transfers.

How policy changes reshape the workplace

The shift in government policy is not only an abstract problem, but it fundamentally changes the way organizations operate. One in five workers report these effects as “significant” or “significant” and require fundamental changes to the company’s operations or strategy.

Anxiety is particularly evident among government employees, with 53% of local, state or federal workers expecting further changes due to future policy shifts. A 38-year-old office worker expressed this common sentiment: “I’m upset about all the workforce reduction because I know there are already many layoffs from federal employees and subcontractors.”

This general uncertainty is causing a series of negative effects. Workers in companies affected by policy changes are experiencing higher focus of emotional exhaustion and difficulty than unaffected organizations.

Economic aspects

In addition to policy issues, economic uncertainty has become the main driving force for pressure. More than one in five workers (44%) are concerned that the recession may cost them their jobs next year, a significant increase from 36% in 2024.

The job market adds another layer of anxiety. More than half of workers (51%) believe that finding new jobs will take “a lot of time” if they lose their current position. What’s even more disturbing is that 44% say they need to transition to completely different fields or industries to secure new jobs.

“When people think their job is at risk, there is a sense of uncertainty that can affect all aspects of their lives,” said APA CEO ARTHUR C. Evans Jr. Jr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., APA CEO. “This culture is always threatening workers’ sense of stability, ability to control and meet their basic needs. The insecurity and feelings of mental health at work can expand on one another in a vicious cycle.”

Personal loss of workplace uncertainty

The mental health impact of this uncertainty goes far beyond office hours. Among workers who care about work safety, due to economic factors:

• 42% reported work-related stress making sleep difficult
• 36% say their relationships suffer from workplace stress
• Workers affected by policy changes reported higher rates of emotional exhaustion (27-30% compared to 18% of unaffected companies)
• People in affected companies will feel greater interest, motivation or energy (28-31% in unaffected organizations vs. 16%)

A 53-year-old office worker caught the general sentiment: “Leasing and transferring overseas to use labor has made me feel like I can fire me at any time and devalue as an employee [be] Just an employee. ”

Another interviewee, a 41-year-old Latino office worker, pointed to multiple pressures: “Uncertainty of job security, ongoing workload and lack of clear communication that leads to stress from management.”

What can help workers with environmental storms?

Despite these challenges, the survey identified several factors that could alleviate job insecurity. Workers who feel they are “important” to their employers are less likely to be afraid of unemployment due to financial factors (42% to 54% think they are irrelevant). Similarly, those who are satisfied with their manager relationships are unlikely to describe their work as “toxic” (10% dissatisfied with 55% management).

Perhaps most importantly, those who are satisfied with employer mental health support have fewer concerns about unemployment than those who are dissatisfied with dissatisfied mental health resources (42% vs. 52%).

“In recent years, awareness has revolved around the profound impact of the workplace on people’s mental health,” Evans noted. “This year’s survey clearly demonstrates one thing: unmanagement stress is not only a personal health issue, but a crucial organizational risk that helps reduce productivity and higher turnover. Employers have a responsibility to go beyond awareness and invest in evidence-based strategies that promote workers’ mental health.”

How do workers protect their mental health?

For those captured in this uncertain environment, APA psychologists recommend several practical strategies: maintaining detailed records of skills and achievements, building stronger connections with colleagues, seeking low-cost behavioral health services through state health centers, and remembering that 988 LIFELILE provides 24-hour access to confidential consultations.

As government policies continue to evolve, economic indicators remain unpredictable, and data suggest that organizations investing in support management, meaningful employee relations and accessible mental health resources may see that despite external uncertainty, it may still see more involved, productive workforces.

It is still clear that the relationship between work safety and mental health is two-way – everyone affects each other in ways that can create a devastating downward spiral, or with proper support, helps workers navigate even the most challenging periods of workplace transformation.