Stress in the APS is rising, and leaders now carry the legal responsibility

The results of the 2026 Mandarin Frank and Fearless survey are in. The emphasis on stress and wellbeing levels within them deserves attention.

Of just fewer than 900 public servants surveyed, 46% reported high or very high stress. That is a 20% jump in 12 months, after a 5% rise the year before.

This is one survey, and it should be read that way. It also needs to be read in terms of the growing complexity of APS work and the way overlapping crises and change contribute to turbulent times.