There’s no doubt the environment that we are in can have a significant impact on the way we feel, think, and behave.
I would take that further and say that our environment is unquestionably the largest determinant of our mental health. As I sometimes say, stressed hens don’t lay eggs.
As much as this is the case at home, in settings dominated by romantic and family relationships, what we are exposed to at work can also have significant impacts on us.
I believe some workplaces still don’t invest enough in the ongoing creation of a sustainable, healthy environment. Beyond that, I also feel there is not enough ongoing focus on making sure people with the right personality types are sitting in the right seats at the business.
Perhaps we could expand on that hen analogy further by saying that if the hen is asked to perform the duties of a rooster, chances are stress across the coop will increase, and so will the burden on the internal system of the hen!
New data out of the USA has found that workplace stress levels are on the increase. American Psychological Association’s 2026 Work in America survey found 37% of workers believe their work environment harms their mental health.
That number is up 5% from 2025.
However, findings from the survey reveal that organizations can help their workers manage stress and change by investing in so-called ‘psychological capital’. In other words, helping workers to become more successful and resilient.
“Employers who want to succeed in this environment need to look beyond productivity metrics and help cultivate the psychological resources workers need to thrive.” – APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD.
Nearly half of workers surveyed (48%) said they typically feel tense or stressed out during their workday, including 55% of workers who rated their psychological capital as low.
Significantly fewer workers with high levels of psychological capital (38%) felt the same way, and they were less likely to report that their work environment harmed their mental health.
What is psychological capital? Essentially, a culture that helps workers feel valued and supported.
Why take steps to improve this area of your business? Well, an intervention might be required, as fewer workers in the study identified their workplace as being healthy (just 80% vs. 85% in 2025).
If you own or manage a business, it might be worth addressing psychological capital, as this may help improve employee engagement and retention.
At With a Little Help Counselling, we offer corporate counselling, personality testing, and human consulting services. We’d be interested in speaking with you to support you in achieving your workplace outcomes. Feel free to contact us today to arrange.
