Work-Related Stress In America 2025

With the levels of stress continuing to increase across the nation, Innerbody Research decided to conduct a comprehensive analysis using federal data through March 2025, ranking U.S. states by work-related stress. The unique ranking system considered four key categories: employment, income, commuting, and sleep, to analyze the state-by-state results of where Americans are struggling the most with workplace stress.

Key Insights

• Georgia ranks as the most stressful state to work in, and it also has the highest commuting-related stress.
• Minnesota ranks as the least stressful state for workers.
• Regionally, the South experiences the highest levels of work-related stress, while the Upper Midwest, New England, and the Pacific Northwest report the lowest.
• Nevada and Arkansas show the highest levels of income-related stress.
• Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama appear in the top five for multiple types of work-related stress.
• West Virginia and Arkansas both ranked high for income-, commuting-, and sleep-related stressors, but performed fairly well in employment-related stress.
• Vermont, Minnesota, and Colorado had the least amount of sleep-related stress.
• Kentucky and Arkansas are almost mirrored in terms of their employment-related and income-related stress. Kentucky has high employment-related stress but lower income-related stress, and Arkansas is the opposite.
• Despite being in the top ten low-stress states, Montana ranks quite high for income-related stress.
• Wyoming tied with Georgia in employment-related stress.
• Hawaii ranked fairly well everywhere, but not in sleep-related stress.
• California had some of the lowest income-related stress despite being the most expensive state to live in.

Work-Related Stress In America

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people living in America are feeling a lot of stress. The most impactful societal stressors include the elections, the economy, and housing costs. But those aren’t the only stressors that can have an impact on your life; workplace and work-related stressors can also have a significant impact. 

Workplace stress often doesn’t stay in the office, and they don’t even have to occur there; it can be caused by the impacts the job has on your personal life. Nonetheless, workplace stress has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, back problems, sleep deprivation, hypertension, and even infertility. 

Global Struggle

Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report suggests that employees around the globe are struggling with stress, and people are more stressed now than they were 30 years ago.

• 41% of employees reported experiencing “a lot” of stress the previous day
• Only 34% of employees feel that they are thriving at work and in their daily lives
• 20% of employees experienced “a lot” of loneliness the previous day
• More than half of the world’s workers have the intent to leave their current positions
• Over 60% of employees report they’re “not engaged” at work, and 15% are “actively disengaged”
• Despite the statistics, 54% still believe it’s a good time to find a job in their region

In America, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center Report, about half of those working were overall very satisfied or extremely satisfied with their jobs.  However, 80% reported that what they get paid does not match up with the cost of living, 71% feel they don’t get paid enough for the quality of work they produce, and 70% said that their pay was not enough for the amount of work that they do. 

Using the unique ranking system, Innerbody Research scored individual aspects of each category with a lower score indicating higher stress levels, and the lowest combined score was determined to be where employees feel the most stress, and vice versa for the least stressed. 

Top 10 Most Stressful States to Work In

1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Nevada
4. Tennessee
5. Mississippi
6. West Virginia
7. New Jersey
8. Kentucky
9. Arkansas
10. Indiana

Top 10 Least Stressful States to Work In

1. Minnesota 
2. Oregon
3. Vermont
4. Washington
5. Colorado
6. Maine
7. South Dakota
8. Montana
9. Wyoming
10. New Hampshire

Top 5 States for Employment-Related Stress

1. Kentucky
2. Louisiana
3. Texas
4. Arizona
5. Ohio

Top 5 States for Income-Related Stress

1. Nevada
2. Arkansas
3. Montana
4. Georgia
5. Kansas

Top 10 Most Stressful Jobs in America

1. Veterinary Technologist and Technician
2. Construction Worker
3. Dental Hygienist
4. Carpenter
5. Medical Assistant
6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
7. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
8. Baker
9. Electrician
10. Pilot

According to U.S. News, those are the top ten most stressful jobs across the nation. When you look at the employment levels in the states with the most employment-related stress, some of the numbers match up. 

• Texas has the highest number of Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the country
• Texas also has the highest employment level of Construction Laborers, and Louisiana has the highest concentration of Construction Laborers
• Though it doesn’t employ the most people (that’d be California), Texas does employ the second-highest number of Medical Assistants

Detrimental Effects of Stress

Stress, if not managed, can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, potentially leading to various conditions. Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease, weaken the immune system, and contribute to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. 

Physical Health

• Heart problems: Stress can damage the heart muscle, increase heart rate and blood pressure, and potentially lead to heart attacks or sudden death. 
• Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. 
• Gastrointestinal issues: Stress can cause heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and stomachaches. 
• Sleep disturbances: Stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue. 
• Headaches and muscle tension: Stress can trigger headaches, muscle aches, and tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders. 
• Skin problems: Stress can manifest as skin rashes, hives, or acne. 
• Weight gain or loss: Stress can influence appetite and metabolism, leading to changes in weight. 
• Chronic pain: Stress can exacerbate existing chronic pain or lead to new pain. 
• Increased blood pressure: Stress raises blood pressure, which can contribute to heart problems. 
• Difficulty breathing: Stress can make it harder to breathe and increase the risk of panic attacks. 

Mental Health

• Anxiety and depression: Chronic stress can trigger or worsen anxiety and depression. 
• Irritability and anger: Stress can lead to irritability, anger outbursts, and mood swings. 
• Difficulty concentrating: Stress can impair focus, memory, and decision-making. 
• Feeling overwhelmed: Stress can make you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. 
• Substance use: Stress can lead to increased alcohol or tobacco use as a coping mechanism. 
• Social withdrawal: Stress can cause social withdrawal and isolation. 

Other Effects

• Changes in sex drive: Stress can affect libido. 
• Changes in menstrual cycle: Stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle, including secondary amenorrhea (missing periods for three months or more). 

It’s Important to Note

• Stress is a normal part of life, but excessive or chronic stress can have serious consequences. 
• Not everyone experiences the same effects of stress. 
• Managing stress is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. 

Managing Work-Related Stress

To effectively manage work-related stress, prioritize strategies that balance work and personal life, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support when needed. Identify your stressors, establish boundaries, and prioritize tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Engage in regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and ensure adequate sleep to improve overall well-being. 

• Identify Stressors: Recognize the specific situations, tasks, or people that trigger your stress responses. 
• Balance Work and Personal Life: Establish boundaries between work and personal time, and make time for activities you enjoy outside of work. 
• Prioritize Tasks: Organize your workload by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, and break down large projects into smaller, more manageable steps. 
• Time Management: Use calendars, to-do lists, and time management techniques to optimize your workday and reduce feelings of overwhelm. 
• Establish Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to extra tasks or requests when your workload is already high. 
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to calm your mind and reduce stress. 
• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues for emotional support and practical help. 
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activity such as walking, running, or yoga to improve mood and reduce stress symptoms such as fatigue.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. 
• Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize sleep to allow your body and mind to recover from stress. 
• Take Breaks: Regular breaks throughout the workday can help prevent burnout and improve focus. 
• Communicate Effectively: Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to colleagues and supervisors to avoid misunderstandings. 

When to Seek Professional Support 

If the stress you are experiencing becomes too overwhelming, please consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor, or perhaps contacting a crisis line:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 (available 24/7)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Text 838255 or call 988 and press 1 (available 24/7)
• Trevor Lifeline: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7; for LGBTQIA+ young people under 25)
• The LGBT National Hotline: Multiple hotlines for different groups (hours vary; check website)

*Note: One person’s experience with stress can be different than another’s. The information provided here is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment options. 

This article was written by TJ Webber at the WHN News Desk, which was created using data and graphs that were supplied by Eric Rodrigues, Co-Founder and CEO of Innerbody Research. 

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.