51% of U.S. Workers Report Crying at the Office in Past Month Due to Rising Workplace Stress

Workplace stress has reached a critical point, with employees experiencing emotional breakdowns, substance use, and panic attacks on the job at record rates. A new report from Modern Health, a mental health platform offered as an employee benefit, highlights the growing crisis among U.S. workers.

The survey, conducted among a random sample of 1,000 employees at companies with 250 or more workers, found widespread distress, lack of support, and behavioral changes directly impacting job performance.

AI Pressures and Rising Stress Levels

Fear of artificial intelligence is a major driver of workplace anxiety. Two-thirds of employees (66%) say AI has raised expectations for their daily performance, while 64% report increased stress as a result. Shockingly, one in four workers (25%) state that AI is actively harming their mental health.

Substance Use and Emotional Breakdowns on the Rise

Workplace stress is pushing employees to unhealthy coping mechanisms. 63% admit to using alcohol, THC, or prescription drugs to unwind after work, while 52% have used substances at the office within the past year.

Emotional distress is also escalating. 51% of employees reported crying at the office in the past 30 days—a 12-point increase from last year’s survey. Additionally, 52% have experienced an anxiety or panic attack at work.

Unsustainable Workloads and Lack of Boundaries

The root of the problem? Employees feel trapped in unsustainable workloads with no relief. 72% say they feel pressured to work through mental health struggles (up 10 points from last year), and the same percentage report that their employer prioritizes productivity over well-being. 57% also feel obligated to respond to work messages outside of office hours.

This blurred line between work and personal life is reshaping employee behavior in ways employers can no longer ignore.