One-fourth of U.S. workers indicated they are ‘immensely stressed’ about losing their job, and about 42% are at least a little concerned about the possibility, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Well-Being at Work survey.
This stress is having a negative impact on workforce wellbeing and engagement, causing many employees to work long hours, skip breaks, forgo time off and work while sick, all in an effort to prove their worth to employers. Concerns about job security negatively impact mental health, physical health and sleep, according to survey respondents. Seventeen percent say job security worries have affected personal relationships or caused them to isolate themselves from friends and family, the report found.
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In addition, employees reported a constant need to be looking for another job, the report said. More than one-quarter of respondents indicate they are actively looking for another job or considering doing so because they’re worried about their job security, the report said.
These revelations come at a time when many workers are struggling with their finances, said Deloitte. About 29% of workers said their financial situation has worsened over the past year, a notable statistic as survey respondents identified financial wellness as the top factor in their wellbeing. Employees say fair pay is the top way their organization could improve their wellbeing, the report said.
Executives appear to be in the dark about the state of their employees’ wellbeing, particularly when it comes to finances. Nearly three-quarters of C-suite executives believe their workforce’s financial state is excellent or good, while only 39% of employees agree.
“As leaders responsible for the wellbeing of their people at work, we need to have the awareness and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the moment – and right now, people are focused on how to be financially resilient,” said Deloitte US wellbeing leader Amy Smith. “Financial literacy, financial planning, and support with managing our relationship with money aren't typically the first things that come to mind when you think of wellbeing programs, but the data suggests that it’s time to refocus attention and resources on professionals’ need for stability and financial wellbeing.”
The study, conducted in collaboration with research firm Workplace Intelligence, examined employees’ fears about job security and financial wellbeing against a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty. The study also found that artificial intelligence (AI), which is often touted as a tool that can reduce stress on the job, is actually exacerbating the situation. Most employees worry AI could increase their feelings of exhaustion and burnout at work, predicting employers will pile on more work if AI makes them more efficient.
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Kristen Smithberg
Kristen Smithberg is a Colorado-based freelance writer who covers commercial real estate, insurance, benefits and retirement topics for BenefitsPRO and other industry publications.
