Widespread crying at work could be a retention risk, survey finds

Emotional distress is commonplace inside the workplace, with new data suggesting that incidences of workers crying on the job are far from rare.

Some 39% of employees said they have cried at least once at work, according to a survey of 1,018 US adults conducted by AI resume builder Resume Now. Among respondents, 25% reported crying once or twice, while 14% said they had cried multiple times.

“Together, these findings show that emotional strain is no longer an isolated workplace issue, but a defining feature of the modern employee experience,” the survey noted. “[The survey] reflects a workforce that is showing up physically while struggling emotionally, with implications for productivity, morale, and long-term retention.”

Job insecurity fuels emotional strain

Concerns about job stability appear to be a significant factor. More than half of employees said they worry they could lose their job even without a clear performance issue or business reason. By contrast, 27% said they feel secure in their role and do not worry about losing their job.

Federal Reserve data updated through December 2025 shows that layoff rates have remained relatively stable since the pandemic. At the same time, the number of people quitting is higher than at any point between June 2001 and August 2017.

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The quitting rate in December 2025 was nearly twice as high as the layoff rate, a dynamic that may point to dissatisfaction inside organizations. Some 55% of employees said they have vented about their job to coworkers, family, friends, or on social media, according to the findings.

Self-care and support systems recommended

Speaking to The Independent, guidance from Duke University’s personal assistance service, which provides mental health support to faculty and staff, outlined steps employees can take after distressing workplace or personal events.

The department advised individuals to lean on a trusted support network, including colleagues, family members, and friends.

“Receiving support from colleagues, family, and friends usually helps the stress reactions to diminish and pass more quickly,” the department wrote.

Additional recommendations include maintaining healthy eating habits, permitting moments of laughter, and adopting calming routines such as prayer, breathing exercises, or spending time outdoors.

In situations involving particularly painful or overwhelming events, seeking professional mental health support may also be appropriate.

“Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful and overwhelming that professional assistance may be necessary,” the department wrote. “This does not imply weakness. Rather, it simply indicates that the particular event was just too powerful for the individual to manage him/herself.”

When it comes to engagement and retention, the findings show how strongly linked emotional wellbeing and job security perceptions are with workforce stability.