A new survey finds that workers with higher levels of psychological capital report lower stress and greater job stability amid economic and technological uncertainty.

Nearly two in five U.S. workers report that their work environment negatively impacts their mental health, according to the American Psychological Association's 2026 Work in America survey. The research indicates that employees with high psychological capital—a combination of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism—are better equipped to manage workplace stress and uncertainty. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, gathered data from 2,009 employed adults between May 21 and June 1, 2026.

Impact of Psychological Capital on Stress

The survey found that 48% of U.S. workers generally feel tense or stressed during the workday. This figure rises to 55% among those with low psychological capital, while only 38% of those with high psychological capital report similar feelings. Additionally, workers with high psychological capital were significantly less likely to report that their work environment harmed their mental health, at 24% compared to 47% for those with low psychological capital.

Job Security and Retention

Economic and technological concerns are rising, with 32% of workers fearing job loss in the near term, up from 26% in 2025. Workers with high psychological capital are less susceptible to these anxieties, with only 21% expressing fear of job loss. Furthermore, 53% of workers with low psychological capital worry that artificial intelligence could make their duties obsolete, compared to 37% of those with high psychological capital. These differences also influence retention, as only 19% of high-capital workers intend to seek new employment within the next year, versus 51% of low-capital workers.

Recommendations for Organizations

APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr. suggests that organizations can actively strengthen psychological capital through intentional efforts. Recommended strategies include broadening performance definitions to include psychological growth, supporting employees as they adapt to new technologies, and fostering a culture where workers feel valued. While 80% of workers currently describe their workplace as healthy, this is a decline from 85% in 2025.