Top 20 Least Stressful Jobs in the UK

If you’re considering a career change for a more relaxed work life, exploring these low-stress and fulfilling job options might be the first step you need to make your job work for you. We also have guides to a career change at 40, and jobs for over 60s!

What impact does work stress have on your health?

Prolonged stress can hurt our health a lot. It can appear in several ways, such as having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, feeling tired, and having heart issues. Long-term stress can also make our immune systems weaker. This makes it easier for us to get sick.

To reduce stress, we can use several methods. We can change our habits, practice relaxation techniques, and ask for help when we need it. Finding a job that fits your stress tolerance can also lead to a healthier and happier life.

How stressed is the workforce in the UK?

According to stats from the UK government, work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 49% of all work-related ill health and 54% of all working days lost due to work-related ill health in 2022/2023. The figures are only rising since the COVID pandemic.

The same report shows that the most stressful jobs tend to be in social work, human health, public administration and education. Generally speaking, stress was more prevalent in female workers than male workers, although this varies by age.

Interestingly too, the larger the company, the greater the levels of reported stress.

Workload, lack of support, long hours, fear of losing jobs, and the push to meet deadlines are some reasons for this. Due to this increase in stress at work, it’s important that we discuss employee wellbeing. It’s time to find ways to handle stress – or find a less stressful job!

Each person deals with stress in their own way. What feels okay for one person might feel overwhelming for someone else. It’s important to understand your own stress tolerance when considering different jobs.

20 Least Stressful Jobs in the UK

In a busy world, it can feel difficult to find a job that makes you happy and offers a peaceful place to work. However, there are plenty of these wonderful opportunities in the UK. We want to help you find them to revolutionise work for workers in the UK.

Your career should enhance your life, fit your lifestyle, and make you happier. Salaries shouldn’t come with stress. You should feel happy to answer a question like ‘What do you do for a living?‘, not feel anxious when the topic comes up.

Let’s explore 20 calm career choices. We’ll discuss the requirements to enter these fields and why they’re good options for anyone seeking a more balanced work life.

1. Librarian

As a librarian, you’ll be in a calm place surrounded by centuries of knowledge. Whether you’re in public libraries or schools, your daily tasks will involve helping people discover great books.

The quiet room and the scent of old books create a calming space. Here, the atmosphere is relaxed and steady. It offers a nice break from the fast pace of many jobs.

The digital world has given librarians new opportunities to use technology and online tools. This brings more variety to a rewarding career.

2. Podiatrist

Podiatrists care for feet. They help people who feel pain or have trouble moving. This job is satisfying because you can make your patients’ lives better.

Imagine spending your days in a clean and neat clinic. You would meet people and help them with their needs. Working in podiatry can bring you happiness as you assist your patients in feeling better.

The balance between work and life is usually good. You can have regular hours and not much on-call work. This makes it a great choice for people who want less stress.

3. Technical Writer

Technical writers help explain complicated information in a clear and simple way. They take hard words and change them into easy language for things like manuals, guides, and online content. This job allows them to work on their own and enjoy a lot of freedom.

Technical writers can often work from home. They can also set their own hours. This gives them flexibility and control over their work. There is usually no stress from tight deadlines. This makes it a good job for people who want a calm and steady job.

There are also less interpersonal relationships in this job and in the UK, 26% of reported stress is caused by these relationships.

As technology gets more important, there’s a growing need for skilled technical writers. This means it is a good and stable career choice.

4. Dietitian

A dietitian’s main goal is to help people live healthier through better nutrition. They make personal meal plans and give advice on how to eat healthy. This helps to improve the well-being of their clients.

Dietitians often work in places like hospitals, clinics, or their own practice. They usually have set hours and a controlled space. This job lets them meet with clients and do their own work, which fits many different types of people.

With more attention on preventive healthcare and healthy living, the demand for skilled dietitians is rising. This trend makes being a dietitian a steady and fulfilling career option.

5. Medical Records Technician

As a medical records technician, you’ll play a key role in the healthcare system. You’ll organise and manage patient information. Your job will involve using computer systems. You will also make sure that medical records stay accurate and private.

Medical records technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. Their work area is often calm and tidy. Most of the time, they do not have much interaction with patients.

This job offers a stable environment and a clear work schedule. It is a good option for anyone looking for a job that is steady and not stressful.

6. Web Developer

In today’s world, many people need good web developers. They make and design websites that draw in users. Web development allows you to work by yourself or with others. You can pick how you want to work.

Many web developers enjoy the option to work from home. They can choose their own hours and do not have to face traffic. Although you need technical skills, web development lets you be creative. It is a way to express your artistic side.

If you enjoy coding and feel happy bringing ideas to life online, web development could be a perfect fit for a relaxing job.

7. University Professor

Imagine sharing your passion for a topic by teaching young students at a university. As a university professor, you will teach students, do research, and guide them. You will help shape the future leaders of our world.

Academia often requires advanced degrees. However, it offers a lively and stimulating environment in return. Universities provide some freedom and flexibility. This helps professors manage their time and research in a way that suits them best.

Summer breaks and sabbaticals allow professors to grow personally and rest. This makes academic jobs appealing for people who want challenging work and a balanced life.

8. Dental Hygienist

If you want a job in healthcare where you work with patients and have a regular routine, dental hygiene might be the right fit. Dental hygienists play an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and show patients how to look after their teeth.

The workplace in a dental clinic is often quiet and neat. Dental hygienists usually have normal hours and few on-call duties. This helps them keep a good balance between work and their personal life.

There is a high need for dental hygienists. This means you can feel secure in your job. There are also chances to grow in your career. You can do this by focusing on a specialty or by taking more classes.

9. Graphic Designer

Do you have a good feel for style? Do you like sharing your ideas using images? If so, a job as a Graphic Designer might be perfect for you! Graphic designers use their creativity and skills to create attractive designs for various media.

You can work in different places. You could work by yourself as a freelancer or join a design agency. There will be deadlines you need to meet. However, the creative freedom and the chance to make your ideas real make this job fun and satisfying.

A career in graphic design allows you to keep learning. You will improve your skill set over time. This helps you stay current in a fast-changing and creative world.

10. Market Research Analyst

Curiosity about what people buy and a love for numbers are important traits for Market Research Analysts. These experts gather and examine data. They do this to learn what consumers like, understand current market trends, and analyse the competition.

Their research helps businesses make smart decisions about new products, marketing strategies, and business growth. Market research analysts typically work in offices. They may be part of a company or collaborate with market research firms.

Their job involves looking at data, writing reports, and making presentations. This means they do some work alone and some work with others.

11. Optometrist

Optometrists are key healthcare workers. They check eyes to find problems with vision and overall health. With detailed eye tests, optometrists can discover diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts early on.

Optometrists provide eyeglasses and contact lenses to help people see better. This helps improve their vision. They usually work in private offices, clinics, or retail shops. Their goal is to give eye care services to all types of patients.

The places where they work are often bright and peaceful. They pay close attention to being careful and look after their patients well.

12. Software Developer

In today’s tech-focused world, Software Developers are the creative minds behind many apps and programs we use each day. They know programming languages well. They use this knowledge to come up with new solutions.

There is a big need for skilled software developers. This makes it a good and popular career choice. Software development offers flexibility. Many jobs let you work remotely and have adjustable schedules. This is great for people who want more freedom.

If you enjoy solving problems and like technology, software development could be a good choice for you. It can lead to a fulfilling job. However, make sure you choose your employer carefully as this job can go from being one of the least stressful jobs to the most if there are tight deadlines and high expectations involved.

13. Actuary

Actuaries are professionals who specialise in understanding and handling risk. They usually work in the fields of insurance and finance. They apply math and statistics to analyse data and determine the likelihood of future events.

Actuaries make plans to lessen financial risks based on their studies. To become an actuary, you need to pass hard exams. However, the rewards include a high salary and strong job security.

Most actuaries work in offices. They often team up with other experts.

14. Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers are important for building a positive and productive work environment. They handle several tasks, such as hiring new employees. They also help new staff feel welcome. Additionally, they deal with any employee problems and create workplace policies.

They link management and employees. They ensure that workplace rules are fair and followed. A job in human resources can feel rewarding. You help create a positive company culture and support the growth of employees.

HR professionals often work in an office. They usually speak with people from different teams and backgrounds.

15. Veterinary Nurse

For people who love animals and want to help, being a veterinary nurse is a good job choice. Veterinary nurses work with veterinarians. They care for animals in many places. This includes private clinics and shelters.

Their tasks are to help with exams, give medication, and care for animals after surgery. Caring for sick or hurt animals can be hard. However, it is very rewarding to see the good results you can make.

Being in a kind team and seeing how strong animals can be is a great experience.

16. Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people who have physical, mental, or development challenges. They work to help these individuals become independent and improve their lives. They assist with everyday tasks and motivate them to take part in activities that matter to them.

In this job, you can find work in several places. These include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and even patients’ homes. Occupational therapy gives you a strong sense of purpose. You can truly change people’s lives by helping them face challenges and achieve their goals. The work environment will change based on what you focus on and where you are employed.

17. Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists, or speech therapists, help people with problems related to speaking and swallowing. They check, identify, and care for patients of any age. This can include young children who have trouble speaking and adults recovering from strokes.

Helping people talk better and connect with others can feel very rewarding. Speech-language pathologists often work in healthcare settings, schools, or private practices. This provides them with several choices for where they can work.

There is a high demand for skilled speech-language pathologists. This gives them job security and opportunities to focus on specific areas in their field.

18. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists work to protect our planet. They play an important role in handling problems like pollution, climate change, and conservation. Many groups, including government and consulting companies, look to them for help.

These scientists look at environmental risks. They work on safe practices and help make rules to keep our natural resources safe. Their jobs can be quite different. This includes working outside, testing in labs, and analysing data.

Being an environmental scientist is a good career if you want to combine science with helping the environment. It can feel rewarding, and you can make a difference.

19. Massage therapist

Choosing a job in massage therapy is about helping people feel relaxed and better. As a massage therapist, you will use your hands to ease tight muscles. You will also help with blood flow and make your clients feel good overall.

Massage therapists often work in calm places such as spas, wellness centres, or their own offices. They have the freedom to choose their own hours and how many clients they want to see. This allows them to create a low-stress work setting.

20. Delivery driver

Transitioning to a job with less stress could involve becoming a delivery driver or a courier. This role may not look like a usual “low-stress” job. However, it offers you some freedom and flexibility that many people value.

You can decide to drive part-time or full-time. When you drive for deliveries, you control your own pace. You get to have fun on the road and keep away from the stress of working in an office.

Many drivers manage stress well because they spend more time alone on the road and less time with colleagues. This job can also support people who want to make a career change into a different field that is slower-paced. There are opportunities to find a less stressful work environment in logistics and transportation.

21. Administration assistant

Don’t ignore the value of transferrable skills from your previous jobs. A shift to an admin role can provide you with a job that has fewer demands. You can still use your skills in organising and communicating. Admin assistants are very important for helping teams and people. They make sure businesses work well, no matter their size.

22. Gardener

Imagine caring for nature while enjoying the calmness of being outdoors. Gardening, especially for groups like the National Trust, offers exercise as well as a feeling of peace in a beautiful location.

For many people on job sites, gardening is often thought of as one of the least stressful jobs going. The everyday tasks, fresh air, and sense of success from growing plants make it a calming and rewarding job.

23. Dog walker or sitter

If you love animals and want a flexible job where you can work alone, dog walking or pet sitting is a good choice. You can set your own hours, enjoy time with pets, and even get some exercise.

Building a group of clients can take some work. However, being around animals makes the job enjoyable and less stressful. There are many part-time jobs available. This is a good option for people who want to earn extra money or have a flexible work schedule. It makes a fun and easy-going career, which is why it’s made it on to our list of least stressful jobs!

24. Hair Stylist

Becoming a hair stylist is a fun option if you are creative and enjoy being around people. This job allows you to express your own style. It also lets you help others feel and look great.

By creating a loyal group of clients and growing your skill set, you can enjoy a job that is rewarding and low-stress. Salons might get busy, but the opportunity to connect with clients and express your creativity makes this a fulfilling job for many.

25. Jeweller

Jewellery making is both an art and a skill. It’s also one of the least stressful jobs available today. Jewellers take precious metals and gems and create beautiful, wearable items. This job requires careful focus, patience, and a love for detailed design. Jewellers often work in quiet spaces. This quiet environment helps them to concentrate and be creative. It’s a mix of art and materials science.

Final thoughts…

Our list of least stressful jobs in the UK is meant to be a starting point to inspire you on your path to a happier, healthier work-life. If you’re feeling very stressed in your current job, start by asking yourself why. Is it your employer? Is it the job? Or is it your current approach to work? The answer may be a mix of all three, or one in particular. Whatever way you answer that question for yourself, the truth is there’s hope.

You don’t have to keep going in the drudgery of the same old job, day in, day out. Our site is for people just like you – to find a new job that’s meaningful and inspiring, to find a new employer if you need one, or to find a new outlook to life is that’s what you’re missing. Good luck!

Ask us anything…

What qualifications do I need for these low-stress jobs?

Education requirements can vary a lot depending on the role. The good news is, there’s a less stressful job out there for all of us. Having transferable skills is usually very important. You could read our guide to high-income skills to help out with this. Some jobs will require specific degrees. Other jobs may look more at your experience and strong skill set.

How can I transition to a less stressful job?

To make a career change easier, first find your transferable skills. Talk to people who work in the field you want to join. Show them how your past experience matches the perfect role you are aiming for.

Are less stressful jobs still well-paying in the UK?

Salary expectations change depending on the job but a high salary doesn’t have to mean more stress. You simply need to research and compare different salaries. We recommend Glassdoor as a way of finding average salaries for your job of choice.

How do I know if a job is going to be stressful?

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict the future but there are some red flags to look out for during your application process for a new job. Is the employer asking too much of you at application stage? Is their communication poor? Do you gel well with your potential manager? Asking questions about the company’s work environment, culture and policies at the end of your interview can help. Read our guide to unique interview questions to ask employers to help with this.

Do remote or flexible work options impact stress levels in certain professions?

Remote work and flexible jobs can help reduce stress. They let people balance their work and life better. They also cut down on the stress from commuting. There are detractors to remote and flexible working though, and some people believe stress and work-life balance are hurt by working remotely. It’s still early days, and we’ll keep you updated as new studies emerge.

What qualifications or skills are typically required for the least stressful jobs in the UK?

Education requirements can vary, but many people need good communication skills. They should also be skilled at solving problems. A flexible skill set is important too. You can combine these skills with useful transferable skills.

What are some ways you can reduce stress in the workplace in the UK?

Dealing with stress at work in the UK is important. You can feel better for a while by using things like mindfulness exercises or taking short breaks. However, finding one of the least stressful jobs on the market will help you most in the long run.

Consider looking for ways to grow or learn new skills at your job. Talking honestly with your bosses about your stress and goals can help bring positive changes.