February 10, 2026
Economic Anxiety Anchors US Employees to Current Jobs, Survey Reveals
American workers are trading ambition for security, choosing to stay in their current roles rather than risk navigating an uncertain job market, according to new research from Mercer’s 2026 Inside Employees’ Minds report.
While 73% of US employees say they’re not seriously considering leaving their organisation, up from 68% in 2023, this uptick reflects a calculated decision to stick with what they know in an unpredictable economy.
Seventy percent report increased financial stress from inflation and market volatility, 76% worry about tariffs hammering the economy, and 56% fear direct job-related consequences. People are scared, and they’re hunkering down.
“Today’s workforce is offering employers a window of opportunity to transform short-term commitment into lasting loyalty,” said Stephanie Penner, Mercer’s US & Canada Career Practice Leader. That commitment only deepens when “clarity, fairness, and follow-through are embedded into how the organisation operates.”
Pay Takes Priority
Pay is the top driver of both attraction (37%) and retention (32%), with healthcare benefits in second place. However, the real shift is around transparency, with more than 40% of candidates refusing to apply for jobs without disclosed salary ranges, aligning with broader trends in employee experience where fairness has become a baseline expectation.
While some financial pressures have eased, fewer employees are cutting spending (38%, down from 51% in 2023). Healthcare costs will likely jump 6.7% this year, the highest increase in fifteen years, continuing to squeeze lower-wage workers hardest.
Despite endless hype about AI revolutionising work, actual adoption is still uneven. Only about 25% of employees regularly use AI tools, while another quarter haven’t started. In retail and healthcare, roughly 40% aren’t using AI at all.
Yet, 53% believe new technology will affect their job security.
“Employees want to understand their employers’ AI roadmap. When organisations manage workloads, clarify skill priorities, and invest in development, AI can become a pathway for growth rather than a source of fear,” said Adam Pressman, Mercer’s US & Canada Employee Research Leader.
Winners and Losers by Industry
Employee experience varies dramatically by sector. Lower-income workers (earning up to $60,000) and hourly employees face heightened financial and mental health challenges, with issues particularly acute in healthcare and retail. Meanwhile, high-tech and financial services workers report stronger engagement, widening the gap between industries.
On the positive side, 78% of employees can fully use paid vacation time, and 74% can take time off when needed. Additionally, 70% say PTO adequately supports mental health and family care needs.
Employees are staying put for now, but their continued commitment depends entirely on whether organisations follow through on development opportunities and career advancement.
Seventy-five percent feel confident they can achieve career goals at their current employer, but this confidence requires validation. Although job security anxiety has increased, employees trust their employers more than the broader economy, highlighting the importance of credible leadership.
Employers have a narrow window to convert anxiety-driven commitment into genuine loyalty through pay transparency, clear AI roadmaps, serious skill development, and consistent flexibility. Right now, workers are choosing to stay, but they’re keeping their options open and their expectations high.
