Cost of Living Is Top Financial Stressor for 58 Percent of US Workers
A TELUS Mental Health Index released in early September 2026 found that cost of living is the top financial stressor for 58 percent of U.S. workers, directly affecting workplace productivity. The data comes as roughly 7 in 10 Americans describe the national economy as poor.
Cost of living is the primary financial stressor for 58 percent of U.S. workers, according to the TELUS Mental Health Index released in early September 2026.
The report found that financial pressure is directly affecting workplace productivity. Workers dealing with financial stress are more likely to report difficulty concentrating, lower engagement, and higher rates of absenteeism.
The findings come alongside separate polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which found that roughly 7 in 10 U.S. adults describe the national economy as poor. Rising gas prices and the cost of living were cited as the main drivers of that sentiment.
The U.S. gross national debt surpassed $40 trillion in August 2026, and the Congressional Budget Office projects a $2.1 trillion deficit for the current fiscal year. Government interest expenses rose 11 percent in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026, reaching $931 billion.
Mental health professionals say financial stress is one of the most common contributors to anxiety and depression in working-age adults. Employers are increasingly being asked to address financial wellness as part of broader employee health programs.
The TELUS index tracks mental health trends among workers in the United States and Canada. The September 2026 report is part of an ongoing monthly series.
