The workplace in 2025 has been defined by fatigue, according to Glassdoor’s analysis of employee sentiment. Workers reported rising exhaustion caused by economic uncertainty, political tensions, and technological changes, including AI.
Mentions of the word “fatigue” in the Glassdoor Community rose 41% compared to the previous year, reflecting the widespread strain among professionals.
Politics and Economic Stress Drive Workplace Exhaustion
Political discussions increasingly infiltrated offices, even among employees who preferred to avoid them. Terms like “inauguration” surged 875% in workplace conversations, highlighting how external events shaped daily interactions.
Economic pressures added to the strain. Mentions of “stagflation” tripled year-over-year as workers expressed concern over stagnant pay, inflation, and recession risks. Compensation often lagged behind cost-of-living increases, contributing to mounting anxiety across industries.
AI Acceleration Fuels Job Insecurity
The rapid integration of AI in workplaces created further tension. Mentions of “agentic” increased over 2,200%, reflecting concerns about skill relevance and job stability.
Employees reported feeling overwhelmed by the speed of AI development, from coding assistants to autonomous tools, and anxious about keeping up in competitive job markets.
Signs of Optimism and Coping Strategies
Despite widespread fatigue, workers found ways to manage stress and maintain morale. Emoji usage on Glassdoor Community shifted mid-year from cautionary symbols to optimism, including laughter, raised hands, and smiling faces.
Organizational psychologists suggest practical strategies for coping, including focusing on small wins, reframing challenges, and seeking guidance from managers to prevent burnout while protecting job security.
