15.5% of Workers Experience Extreme Anxiety at Work During Winter, Survey Reveals

Many of us experience a shift in energy as the days get shorter and the temperature drops; we find it harder to work, we lose motivation, and even simple tasks become more taxing. Being aware of this, Resume.ai ran a survey of over 1,000 full-time office workers in the United States and showed that this isn’t just a feeling but a real blockage for many.

Key findings:

1. 15.5% of workers experience extreme anxiety, while 42.2% reported elevated anxiety at work during winter
2. Gen X (43.7%) and Millennials (43.2%) are the most affected by seasonal anxiety, while Gen Z (11.5%) experiences a much lower impact
3. In times of job uncertainty, those feelings can escalate drastically

Winter not only impacts focus but also increases anxiety in over 40% of workers

The survey reveals a clear pattern experts call “career hibernation.” For many employees, work shifts go from being an opportunity to grow into something to deal with until the year ends. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in larger companies, where the focus moves from hitting KPIs to simply “getting through the day.”

When asked how often they experience unpleasant feelings related to their job, 15.5% of respondents report feeling significantly more anxious during this period, while 42.2% notice a subtle increase in anxiety. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of workers (23.7%) say working during winter doesn’t really affect their stress levels, and 16.2% feel no impact at all, with a small portion (2.4%) of them being unsure.

In the broader picture, it can be connected with a psychological disorder known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which affects about 5% of U.S. adults precisely. However, according to the survey, anxiety is far more common, followed by motivation loss, burnout, and work-related stress.

Millennials and Gen X suffer the most from work anxiet and job-loss fear

According to the data, it’s clear why work stress affects generations in very different ways when seasons shift.

Gen X (43.7%) and Millennials (43.2%) are the most likely to struggle, according to the surveyed participants. Their stress often comes from trying to handle career demands, deadlines, and personal responsibilities. Not only that, but they naturally begin to worry even more when they hear negative news about layoffs and an unstable job market, which worsens these stressors and disrupts their sleep.

On the other hand, Gen Z (11.5%) and Boomers II (1.6%) report significantly less work-related stress during the winter. While older professionals frequently rely on established routines and experience to maintain focus, younger workers may still be motivated by the excitement of developing their careers and be open to new opportunities.

Anxiety worsens in times of job uncertainty, especially during the winter

Periods of layoffs and job insecurity are testing employees’ mental health more than ever, and winter can make the strain even heavier. The combination of reduced daylight, colder weather, and real-world stressors turns this season into a defining tipping point for mental health.

Amanda Augustine, Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and Resume.ai’s career expert, explains that this pattern is natural and not a reflection of poor work ethic. “A dip in motivation during winter is not a lack of ambition. It’s your body signaling a need to rest and recalibrate,” she says. “With awareness and small adjustments in everyday habits, like sleeping on time, eating healthier, and keeping a positive atmosphere in the workplace, professionals can turn this slowdown into a period of renewal and return to work more focused and balanced.”

She adds that the line between a temporary slump and burnout is thin during times of uncertainty. “When layoffs dominate headlines, even the most driven employees can feel their confidence waver. Recognizing early signs of burnout allows workers to protect their well-being and stay resilient through instability. Employers should offer compassion, not add any additional pressure, and give employees the needed time to get back on track and regain a sense of security.”