New Analysis Reveals 10 Most Stressful Jobs and Industries
4 min read
In the modern world of work, stress has become unavoidable. A reported 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress across various industries, as they face unique pressures that take a toll on their mental and physical well-being. But which industries are feeling the heat the most?
A recent analysis by CBD.co, a leading online marketplace for CBD products, has shed light on this question, revealing significant variations in stress levels across different sectors. The study, which examined data from the American Psychological Association (APA) and OSHA, provides a comprehensive look at workplace stress in the United States.
Stress Levels in High-Pressure Industries
The CBD.co experts analysed the survey data to rank industries based on their stress levels. Their analysis considered factors such as workload, work-life balance, job security, and workplace environment to calculate a comprehensive stress score for each industry.
The resulting stress scores, ranging from 1 (least stressful) to 5 (most stressful), were then combined with average salary ranges to provide a more complete picture of each industry. Here are the top 10 most stressful industries according to the analysis:
Data table showing 10 most stressful industries ranked by stress score
| Rank | Industry | Stress Level (1-5) | Average Salary Range ($) |
| 1 | Healthcare | 4.4 | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| 2 | Finance | 4.3 | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| 3 | Technology | 4.2 | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| 4 | Education | 4.1 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| 5 | Law Enforcement | 4.1 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| 6 | Sales | 4 | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| 7 | Human Resources | 3.9 | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| 8 | Marketing | 3.8 | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| 9 | Customer Service | 3.7 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| 10 | Manufacturing | 3.6 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Taking a Closer Look at The Top 5 Most Stressful Industries
- Healthcare (4.4 stress score): Healthcare professionals face high patient volumes, long hours, and life-or-death decisions. Emotional toll, understaffing, and constant medical advancements contribute to stress.
- Finance (4.3 stress score): Finance professionals deal with tight deadlines, market fluctuations, and high-stakes decisions. Precision demands, client impact, and intense competition create a pressured environment.
- Technology (4.2 stress score): Tech workers experience constant pressure to innovate and maintain systems. Rapid changes, tight timelines, and cybersecurity responsibilities, coupled with expectations of constant availability, increase stress.
- Education (4.1 stress score): Educators manage heavy workloads, large classes, and diverse student needs. Balancing emotional support with administrative tasks and teaching standards adds to their stress.
- Law Enforcement (4.1 stress score): Officers face dangerous, unpredictable situations and high-stakes decisions. Physical demands, exposure to trauma, and public scrutiny contribute to their stress levels.
The Impact of Workplace Stress
Workplace stress in the United States has reached alarming levels, with consequences for the economy and healthcare system. According to the American Institute of Stress, an estimated 1 million workers are absent every day due to stress-related issues, while job stress costs US industry more than $300 billion annually in losses from absenteeism, diminished productivity, and accidents.
“These figures are staggering,” notes a spokesperson from CBD.co. “We’re seeing a silent epidemic that, on top of affecting employee well-being, impacts company productivity and the national economy. It’s a wake-up call for businesses to prioritise stress management.”
The impact extends beyond the workplace, with work-related stress contributing to an estimated $190 billion in annual healthcare costs. Perhaps most tellingly, 39% of US workers report that workload is their main cause of stress.
“There’s an urgent need for a reevaluation of work practices,” the CBD.co expert emphasises. “Industry leaders should address the root causes of workplace stress, particularly excessive workloads. Only by tackling these underlying issues can we create healthier, more sustainable work environments that benefit both employees and businesses.”
As the costs of workplace stress continue to mount, the challenge lies in translating this awareness into actionable change in workplaces across the country.
CBD.co’s Tips for Managing Stress
The team at CBD.co recommend the following strategies for managing workplace stress:
- Smart scheduling: Use digital tools to organise tasks and set achievable deadlines.
- Health focus: Prioritise nutrition, exercise, and sleep to boost stress resilience.
- Mindfulness practice: Integrate brief meditation or breathing exercises into your day.
- Build a support network: Connect with colleagues and mentors for advice and encouragement.
- Work-life separation: Implement routines that clearly divide professional and personal time.
Experts at CBD.co provided additional insights on the findings:
“While these stress scores aren’t surprising, they put the spotlight on a critical issue in our work culture. High stress levels often lead to decreased innovation and creativity, which are key aspects of industry growth. For example, in healthcare, chronic stress can impair decision-making abilities, potentially affecting patient care quality.
‘There’s also a concerning correlation between stress levels and employee turnover rates. Industries with higher stress scores typically see more frequent job changes, leading to increased training costs and loss of institutional knowledge. This ‘stress-turnover cycle’ can hinder an organisation’s long-term stability and success.
“To break this cycle, companies should go beyond basic stress management. They should consider structural changes like reassessing workload distribution, implementing flexible work arrangements, and encouraging a culture of open communication about mental health.”
Neel Achary
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