Uncertainty is eroding people's sense of control over the future
The American Psychological Association's latest Stress in America survey shows chronic stress increasingly leading people to withdraw and postpone major decisions – including career ones.
The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the APA between 29 July and 24 August 2026, among 3,132 US adults. Cost of living is the most frequently cited source of stress (77 per cent), and 74 per cent of respondents worry about the nation's future. The share who feel they have little or no control over their own future rose from 23 per cent in 2025 to 28 per cent.
Uncertainty is shaping behaviour. Over the past year, 26 per cent put their future on hold: they stopped planning or delayed major decisions such as a career change or buying a home. Among 18–29 and 30–45 year-olds the figure reaches 34 per cent. More than half (51 per cent) feel too emotionally drained to engage beyond their daily lives, and 47 per cent have pulled back from at least one form of social participation.
Where people look for support is also shifting. 70 per cent intentionally use AI, and 47 per cent of users turn to it in a role similar to a mental health professional. At the same time, 72 per cent still feel they have at least some control over their future – a foothold for efforts that strengthen it. The survey covers US adults in general, not only employees.
What this means for organisations: people bring to work stress that did not originate there, yet it shapes their energy, engagement and readiness to make decisions. Boards and HR directors can restore a sense of agency where they have real control: through predictable communication, clear development paths and leaders equipped to talk about uncertainty. It is also worth deliberately designing access to human support before employees replace it entirely with AI tools.