A recent NAMI/Ipsos Workplace Mental Health Poll reveals that while three in four full-time employees believe discussing mental health at work is appropriate, nearly half express concerns about potential judgment for doing so. The survey, conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2026, indicates that workplace stress is increasing, with the proportion of employees feeling 'very stressed' nearly doubling since 2024. Additionally, over half of respondents reported experiencing burnout in the past year.
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According to the poll, 74% of employees feel discussing mental health is acceptable, and 77% would feel comfortable talking to a coworker about it. However, only 61% are comfortable sharing their own mental health struggles. The survey highlights that discomfort increases when talking to Human Resources (39%) or senior leadership (30%). Main reasons for this discomfort include stigma (41%), lack of discussion on the topic by peers (39%), fear of appearing weak (33%), and concerns about potential retaliation (23%). While 38% have supported a coworker in distress, only 15% have spoken to their manager about their own mental health issues.
Rising stress related to global conditions has been noted, with 70% of employees feeling stressed about the world. Although overall stress levels have remained stable, the intensity has intensified—going from 19% in 2024 feeling 'very stressed' to 30% in 2026. Concern about personal mental health is also on the rise, with 43% of employees worried about it, compared to 35% in 2024. The data shows that 53% have felt burnt out over the past year, and nearly 40% indicated that work demands negatively affected their mental health.
Caregivers reported significantly higher levels of burnout, with 61% experiencing burnout in the past year, contrasting with 49% of non-caregivers. Almost half of caregivers stated their mental health was impacted by work demands, with sandwich generation caregivers facing the greatest challenges: 52% felt overwhelmed and 37% contemplated quitting their jobs due to stress.
The poll also emphasizes the positive impact of mental health training in the workplace. Employees at companies offering such training reported more favorable experiences, including feeling more supported by management. For instance, 86% of those with access to mental health training felt their manager cared about them, compared to 70% without such training. However, only 32% of employees reported receiving mental health resources from their employers, and just 25% had undergone training regarding mental health conditions.
In the context of management, 69% of managers claimed to have adequate resources for supporting team mental health. Those with access to these resources reported feeling better equipped to assist their teams, with the burnout rate considerably lower among those with proper training.
The full findings of the poll provide a critical insight into workplace mental health and highlight the necessity for comprehensive mental health initiatives within organizations.