I recently read an article written by Simone Johnson for Business News Daily. It was entitled "Dealing With Work Stress: The Top 10 Most and Least Stressful Jobs"
I love a list - so here are the two lists:
The 10 most stressful jobs:
Purely for balance, the 10 least stressful jobs:
So, as is always the case I started to think about the article and now I have so many questions - Why did I look at the article? Do I feel stressed? Do I want to become a massage therapist?
We all enjoy looking at lists as we are purely looking for ourselves on those lists.
Just like the daft lists we see on social media - the 10 women who will find the love of their life this year, the 5 men who will smash their activity goals this month. All absolute rubbish and probably not much in the way of data, substance or science behind them.
However, these lists got me thinking - the stress lists not the Meta clickbait ones...
How can we better understand stress and the factors that make our job stressful or less stressful?
I don't know about you, but for me, stress has become an ever-present companion. Whether it's the pressure to meet deadlines, handle difficult clients, or navigate complex projects, the impact of stress on our mental and physical well-being cannot be overlooked.
I know, more than most, that not all jobs are created equal when it comes to stress levels. Some professions inherently come with higher stress levels, while others offer a more conducive environment for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Equally, there are some people that can find stress in the most zen experiences - those individuals might not realise it, but even they would find being a massage therapist very stressful.
As you can imagine as I penned this article I started to fall into an Aladdin's cave of what constitutes a stressful job and a less stressful job.
What Makes a Job Stressful?
1. High Workload and Tight Deadlines: Jobs that require individuals to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines often lead to high levels of stress. The constant pressure to deliver results can be overwhelming and contribute to burnout.
2. High Responsibility and Accountability: Professions that involve high levels of responsibility and accountability, such as healthcare providers, emergency responders, and executives, can be extremely stressful. The weight of decision-making and the consequences of errors can take a toll on mental well-being.
3. Constant Change and Uncertainty: Industries characterised by rapid changes, such as technology or finance, often create an environment of uncertainty. Constantly adapting to new technologies, market trends, or regulations can be mentally taxing and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
4. Client-Facing Roles: Jobs that involve dealing with difficult clients or customers regularly, such as customer service representatives, salespeople, or frontline healthcare workers, can be emotionally draining. Managing client expectations and resolving conflicts can increase stress levels significantly.
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5. Physical Demands and Safety Risks: Certain professions, such as construction workers, firefighters, or law enforcement officers, involve physical demands and safety risks. The constant exposure to physical hazards and the need to stay alert in potentially dangerous situations can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.
6. Lack of Control and Autonomy: Jobs that offer little control over your own workload, schedule, or decision-making processes can contribute to feelings of powerlessness and stress. Micromanagement and rigid hierarchical structures can exacerbate these feelings.
Characteristics of Less Stressful Jobs:
1. Predictable Workload and Schedule: Jobs that offer a predictable workload and regular working hours provide employees with a sense of stability and control over their time. This allows for better work-life balance and reduces stress levels.
2. Supportive Work Environment: Workplaces that foster a supportive and collaborative culture, where employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated, tend to have lower stress levels. Strong interpersonal relationships and effective communication channels can buffer the impact of stress.
3. Flexibility and Autonomy: Jobs that offer flexibility in terms of work location, schedule, and decision-making empower employees to better manage their work and personal responsibilities. Autonomy breeds a certain sense of ownership and reduces feelings of stress and frustration.
4. Clear Expectations and Feedback: Clear expectations regarding job roles, responsibilities, and performance criteria, coupled with constructive feedback and recognition for achievements, help employees navigate their roles more effectively and reduce uncertainty and stress.
5. Minimal Exposure to Physical or Emotional Hazards: Jobs that involve minimal exposure to physical or emotional hazards, such as office-based roles or creative professions, tend to have lower stress levels. A safe and secure work environment promotes peace of mind and well-being.
6. Opportunities for Skill Development and Growth: Jobs that offer opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and personal growth provide employees with a sense of purpose and motivation. Feeling stagnant or trapped in a dead-end job can lead to feelings of frustration and stress.
In conclusion, while stress is an inevitable part of any job, certain factors contribute to higher stress levels, while others mitigate its impact.
Employers play a crucial role in creating a work environment that promotes employee well-being by addressing stressors and implementing strategies to support mental health. Likewise, individuals can take proactive steps to manage stress by setting boundaries, practising self-care, and seeking support when needed.
By understanding the characteristics of stressful and less stressful jobs, we can strive to create healthier and more fulfilling work experiences for ourselves and others. In turn, this creates a more inclusive environment - for the easily stressed and the permanently laid back.
Also - did you notice "air traffic controller" - not on the list!? Surely that has to be up there?
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As the Founder and CEO of Worket Consultancy, Laura Bosworth leads a team dedicated to partnering with purpose-driven businesses across various sectors, including Renewables, Technology, Professional Services, Financial Services, Investment, and Asset Management. Our mission is to deliver high-performance, diverse talent that not only drives progress but also amplifies opportunities to a values-driven audience.
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