Workers in the arts, hospitality and healthcare industries face the most significant challenges to their wellbeing, according to a new study. The research ranked industries based on their impact on employees’ physical, mental and social health, with those sectors coming out on top for all the wrong reasons.
The science and technology industry was found to be the least detrimental, with workers reporting the lowest levels of stress, injuries and social disruption, according to the study, by Staffordshire-based training provider Phoenix Health & Safety.
Arts and Entertainment: Leading the Way in Stress and Social Disruption
The arts, entertainment and recreation industry emerged as the most damaging for employee wellbeing. While the sector was average for its impact on physical health, it ranked third for mental health challenges and second for disrupting social lives.
More than half (56%) of workers in this industry reported experiencing stress and anxiety due to their jobs, while 53% said their work negatively affected their social or family lives.
Hospitality and Healthcare: Consistently Challenging Sectors
Hospitality and healthcare tied for second place in the rankings, with both sectors showing consistently high levels of strain on employees.
The accommodation and food services sector reported significant effects on mental health and social disruption. It also had the highest rate of workplace injuries across all industries.
Healthcare workers, meanwhile, reported the greatest mental health impact, with 61% saying they felt stressed or anxious due to their roles. This industry also ranked highest for work-related ill health.
Top 10 Most Detrimental Industries for Wellbeing
The study ranked the following industries as having the most negative impact on workers:
- Arts, recreation, and entertainment
- Accommodation and food services
- Healthcare and social work
- Information and communication
- Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
- Construction
- Administrative and support services
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Finance and insurance
Science and Technology: The Healthiest Industry for Workers
Science and technology stood out as the least harmful industry, the study found. Employees in this sector reported the lowest levels of workplace injuries and the smallest impact on their social lives, with only 32% saying their work disrupted their relationships or personal time.
Workers in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning sector were the least likely to report mental health issues (16%). But hey also experienced the most significant social life disruption, with 73% citing this as a problem.
Widespread Challenges Across Industries
The study revealed concerning statistics across all industries:
- 43% of workers experienced stress or anxiety due to work.
- 36% reported that their job negatively affected their physical health.
- 28% sought professional help for work-related stress.
- A third (33%) missed important social or family events because of work.
- 27% said their job caused tension with family or friends.
Coping with Workplace Stress
Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety, underscored the importance of addressing the issues raised in the survey. “We spend such a large portion of our lives working, it’s important that our jobs don’t impact on our physical and mental health, and our social lives where possible,” he said.
He said that while in some sectors it was difficult to avoid potential dangers, it was important that those in managerial positions ensured that health and safety regulations were followed so that employees remained safe from harm.
“For those finding themselves experiencing unnecessary levels of stress and anxiety due to work, or finding that their job is having an oversized impact on their social life and relationships, it’s advisable to speak to your employer to discuss alternate working arrangements that might improve your situation, or if this does not change anything, perhaps considering changing jobs or career,” said Higginson.