Workplace Exhaustion: Glassdoor Reports Rising Employee Fatigue
Increasing Concerns Over Economic and Technological Shifts
Many U.S. employees are grappling with anxiety stemming from AI-driven technology advancements, political instability, and a challenging economic landscape, according to a recent report from Glassdoor. The job search firm revealed that “fatigue” has become its word of the year for 2025, cited more frequently by users in the company’s online forums. Mentions of fatigue increased by 41% compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing sense of exhaustion among the workforce.
The Impact of Stressful News
In a survey conducted by Glassdoor, 78% of professionals expressed that current events are depleting their energy levels at work. This widespread feeling of weariness appears to be a persistent issue, as indicated by the firm’s findings.
Economic Worries Among Workers
Economic concerns are at the forefront of these discussions, with many Glassdoor users voicing frustration over stagnant wages failing to keep pace with inflation. The term “stagflation,” representing periods of high prstarts coupled with weak economic growth, saw a threefold increase in mentions compared to the previous year. This sentiment aligns with rising public anxiety over the increasing costs of essentials such as food and housing.
The Disruption Caused by AI
Additionally, conversations surrounding the impact of AI on the job landscape have surged. Mentions of “agentic,” referring to AI bots being integrated into various sectors, skyrocketed more than 2,200% year-over-year. This surge reflects the urgency with which workers are attempting to adapt to new AI tools.
Political Conversations Affecting Workplace Dynamics
Political discussions have also intensified, with mentions of “inauguration” witnessing an 875% increase since 2024. Even those who typically prefer to avoid political topics found themselves involved in conversations at work, as noted in the report.
The findings from Glassdoor underscore the pressing issues facing employees today, revealing a landscape fraught with challenges that contribute to widespread fatigue and stress in the workplace. As employees navigate these turbulent times, the importance of addressing workplace well-being has never been clearer.