When an employee burns out, the consequences go far beyond fatigue. Productivity drops, absenteeism rises, turnover spikes — and organizations foot the bill. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress drains over $300 billion annually from U.S. businesses. Add in healthcare costs, lost wages, and replacement hiring, and burnout is as much a financial issue as it is a personal one.
That’s the backdrop for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance’s new report, Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage. It highlights the roles most impacted by physical and mental strain — and offers lessons for employers everywhere about what stress is costing them, and how to stop the bleed.
The Jobs Carrying the Heaviest Stress
Top 5 Physically Stressful Jobs
- Firefighters
- Flight Attendants
- Laborers & Material Movers
- Line Installers & Repairers
- Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists
Top 5 Mentally Stressful Jobs
- Flight Attendants
- Small Engine Mechanics
- Physician Assistants
- Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
- Bailiffs, Jailers & Correctional Officers
Firefighters and laborers bear the physical weight of strenuous, often hazardous work. Pilots and correctional officers shoulder enormous mental responsibility, making critical decisions under pressure. Flight attendants are unique for landing on both lists — a profession that combines the physical strain of long shifts with the emotional labor of managing passenger needs and safety.
Why Burnout Hits the Bottom Line
Burnout is often framed as an individual problem, but businesses pay the biggest price. The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 60% of employees say stress harms their mental health. When stress turns into turnover, replacing an employee can cost 1.5 to 2 times their salary. The hidden costs — lower morale, reduced engagement, and strained customer relationships — are harder to measure but just as damaging.
What Employees Can Do
While no one can eliminate stress entirely, workers can take proactive steps to protect themselves:
- Prioritize rest and recovery to guard against chronic fatigue
- Build stress-reducing habits such as stretching, exercise, or mindfulness — the Mayo Clinic notes physical activity lowers stress hormones while boosting mood
- Leverage available support from counseling services to massage therapy, taking full advantage of wellness benefits
What Managers Can Do
As Harvard Business Review points out, burnout is about the workplace, not the people. Leaders can make a measurable difference by:
- Designing realistic workloads that don’t normalize overwork
- Encouraging employees to use PTO and wellness programs without stigma
- Investing in simple wellness initiatives like ergonomic setups, wellness stipends, or flexible scheduling
- Creating a culture where talking about stress is safe and supported
Punchline
The Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage report may focus on specific professions, but the implications apply everywhere. Burnout erodes performance, damages workplace culture, and costs billions in lost value each year.
For employees, daily recovery habits can help keep stress manageable. For organizations, recognizing burnout as a financial risk — not just a personal one — is the first step toward building healthier, more resilient teams in 2025.
