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More than half of employees in the US have admitted to crying while on the job, new research from GroupTogether has found.
A survey of over 1,000 workers revealed that 45.6% said they had never shed tears at work, while 25.1% reported doing so once or twice. Another 16.6% said they had cried between two and ten times, and 12.7% stated they had broken down on ten or more occasions.
The findings point to a widespread experience of emotional strain in the workplace, with nearly 30% saying the floodgates opened multiple times.
Stress and connection at work
Experts have linked the figures to stress, burnout and the pressures of hybrid work environments, highlighting the importance of belonging, appreciation and human connection in supporting employees.
"Employee engagement is no longer just about perks or pay - it’s about people feeling valued, supported and connected," said Ali Linz, Co-Founder of GroupTogether. “Of course people need to be paid fairly but a big part of why people like work is the people. There are easy ways to make people feel connected. A simple group card can make people feel valued even remotely. We regularly see responses to group cards from colleagues saying "I was so touched" or "I was overwhelmed by everyone's kind words."
She added: "When employees feel invisible or unappreciated, that’s when disengagement and turnover risks spike. The data makes it clear: ignoring the emotional experience of employees isn’t an option."
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Recognition tools on the rise
Recognition platforms are one response gaining attention, enabling teams to create group cards and meaningful gifts to mark occasions or achievements.
"When employees feel celebrated and acknowledged, it strengthens culture and builds loyalty," added Linz. "Something as simple as a group card for a birthday or a heartfelt note can be the difference between an employee who feels connected and one who feels forgotten."
Gallup has reported that voluntary turnover costs US businesses a trillion dollars every year. The GroupTogether survey suggests that reducing workplace stress and recognizing employees could play a role in tackling those losses.
With more than half of employees admitting to crying at work, the solution lies not in telling staff to toughen up but in building a culture where challenges are shared and support is visible.
