The 10 least stressful jobs in the world

In the society we live in, stress and work are two words that go hand in hand. In many sectors, the pandemic has changed perspectives and reality, both for better and for worse, certifying the need to review the organization and management of jobs - such as smart working, for example - as well as the lifestyle of employees themselves. It seems clear, however, that there are jobs that are less stressful than others.

So what are the least stressful jobs overall? Let’s discover together the ranking of the 10 jobs "farthest" from anxiety and frenzy, always remembering that a job, to be considered "stress-free", must also be paid in the right way. Therefore, voluntary, recreational jobs that do not refer to specific tasks are not part of our list; just as those jobs that, despite not requiring excessive effort or even wear and tear, have an average pay that is too low to be considered free from thoughts and worries (even outside of work) are not present.

Less stressful jobs, a necessary premise

Before seeing which jobs are present in our ranking, it is good to keep in mind that stress at work is highly personal and that there can be different causes underlying this condition. The factors that make some professions more stressful than others depend, in fact, also on our own ability to manage pressure, workload, responsibilities, or on particular situations and events rather than on the type of work activity performed.

Therefore, when choosing a career, it is essential to consider not only the responsibilities of the role, but also the work environment, the opportunities for professional growth and the support available, in order to guarantee a satisfying and healthy work experience.

In recent years, work-related stress has seen a significant increase globally.

According to Gallup’s "State of the Global Workplace" report, 41% of workers reported experiencing high levels of stress the previous day in 2023, down from 44% in 2021, but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.

And stress is not synonymous with productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost to work-related depression and anxiety each year, costing the global economy nearly a trillion dollars.

The search for less stressful occupations is, therefore, a topic of growing interest at a national and international level, especially considering the significant impact that work-related stress has on the mental and physical health of workers.

The 10 least stressful jobs

Despite the trends stated, there are professions that, by nature of their tasks and the working environment, tend to be less stressful.

With regard to these professions, it can be said that there is no universal list, since the level of perceived stress, as mentioned, can vary based on individual and cultural factors. However, some research indicates that jobs with greater autonomy, flexibility and a good work-life balance tend to be less stressful. For example, roles such as librarian, dietitian, medical laboratory technician and operations research analyst are often cited among professions with relatively low levels of stress.

So, after having seen the ranking of the most stressful jobs, let’s now find out which activities are less stressful for the worker.

1. Orthodontist
2. Librarian
3. Statistician and survey researcher
4. Dietitian
5. Medical laboratory technician
6. Masseur
7. Anthropologist
8. Optometrist
9. Travel agent
10. Historian

1) Orthodontist

The orthodontist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of dental malocclusions and facial anomalies, using orthodontic appliances to align the teeth and improve chewing functionality and the aesthetics of the smile.

Benefits include flexible hours, the ability to run a private practice, and a high degree of professional autonomy. The scheduled nature of visits and the absence of emergencies help reduce the stress levels associated with this profession.

2) Librarian

A librarian is responsible for managing and organizing information resources within public, private, or academic libraries. Duties include cataloging materials, assisting users in finding information, and promoting cultural activities.

This profession is considered one of the most relaxed in the world. Benefits include a usually calm work environment, regular hours and the opportunity to interact with a community of readers and scholars, elements that contribute to a low level of work stress.

3) Statistician

The statistician and survey researcher analyze data to identify trends and support decisions in various fields, including economics, healthcare, and marketing. Basic roles involve collecting, processing, and interpreting quantitative data.

Benefits include the possibility of working in different sectors, flexible hours, and often the possibility of working remotely. The analytical work environment and predictable nature of the work are synonymous with relatively low levels of stress.

4) Dietitian

The dietitian is responsible for developing personalized meal plans to promote health and manage medical conditions related to nutrition. Their duties include assessing patients’ nutritional needs and providing nutritional education.

Pros include regular working hours, the possibility of working in different settings (hospitals, private clinics, public institutions) and the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the well-being of patients. Positive interaction with customers and the absence of emergency situations make this profession less stressful than other medical professions.

5) Laboratory Technician

The medical laboratory technician performs analyses on biological samples to support medical diagnosis. The role involves preparing samples, performing tests and recording the results.

Benefits include a controlled work environment, structured hours, and a key role in the diagnostic process without direct contact with patients, contributing to a moderate level of stress.

6) Massage Therapist

The massage therapist offers manual treatments to relieve muscle tension and promote physical well-being for clients. Their duties include applying different massage techniques based on individual needs.

Benefits of the profession include the possibility of working in relaxing environments such as spas and wellness centers, flexible hours, and positive interaction with clients, factors that contribute to a more peaceful work environment.

7) Anthropologist

The anthropologist studies human cultures, societies, and their evolution. Their duties include conducting fieldwork, analyzing cultural data, and publishing academic studies.

Benefits include the possibility of travel, a high degree of autonomy in research, and the opportunity to contribute to the understanding of social dynamics. The academic and investigative nature of the work contributes to a less stressful environment.

8) Optometrist

The optometrist is responsible for the evaluation of vision and the prescription of corrective lenses. Duties include performing vision tests, diagnosing refractive problems, and fitting contact lenses.

The benefits include regular working hours, a controlled clinical environment and the ability to improve the quality of life of patients, all of which contribute to reducing work-related stress.

9) Travel Agent

A travel agent assists clients in arranging travel, advising on destinations, itineraries and bookings. The duties of the profession include planning travel packages, managing bookings and offering support during the trip.

The main benefits of the role include the possibility of working in a relaxed and creative environment and, in fact, travelling, as well as the gratification of helping people create memorable travel experiences. Working as a travel agent is less stressful due to the organised and predictable nature of the tasks, combined with the satisfaction of making the wishes of (usually loyal) clients come true.

10) Historian

We close our ranking with the historian, who has returned to the forefront thanks to many well-known faces on TV. This figure is dedicated to the study and interpretation of past events, with the aim of better understanding the present and preserving cultural heritage. The main tasks include research in archives, publishing academic articles and books, as well as historical dissemination through conferences or exhibitions.

Among the pros of this profession are the freedom to explore areas of specific interest, flexible working hours and an intellectually stimulating environment. The lack of pressing deadlines or emergencies, together with the gratification deriving from knowledge and cultural sharing, makes this career among the least stressful of all.

Obviously, the Money.it ranking - which, for many, could be incomplete - should not be taken as a dogma and, above all, the presence of a professional figure within it does not imply that training and career have not required stress and sacrifices.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: I 10 lavori meno stressanti del mondo