According to recent research released by Roy Morgan Affects almost one quarter of the population (or 4,640,000 people) in the 12 months to June 2014. The research also revealed that that Sales Support Workers are the most stressed occupation, with almost half (48.3%) experiencing stress in an average 12 months. Hospitality workers (37.7%), Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals (35%), Carers and Aides (34.6%) and Health and Welfare Support Workers (33.9%). also report an above-average incidence. “In the last five years, stress has risen slightly among Australians, with almost one quarter of the population experiencing it in the past year. Among working Aussies, Sales Support Workers reported the highest incidence of stress, ahead of those employed in the Hospitality industry at a non-managerial level.” Group Account Director, Roy Morgan Research Angela Smith commented “Both professions are in constant contact with an often-demanding public, and are not generally well paid. Furthermore, people employed in these professions are frequently young — and our data indicates that 18-24 year-olds are more likely than any other age group to be affected by stress.”
Smith explained that it appears that working with animals or plants is one way of avoiding stress, as is retirement.