Before the COVID-19 pandemic took center stage in the country, most Americans felt good about their health. In a poll conducted online in February 2020 by The Harris Poll, 71% of Americans rated their overall health as good or excellent. On average, they reported sleeping 6.6 hours a night, working 35 hours a week, and exercising 6.9 hours a week. Four months into our new reality, things have changed: Lockdowns have affected our sleeping patterns, some employees are putting in longer hours working from home, and workout options are limited with most gyms still closed. Related: 10 private industry jobs with the largest number of injuries, illnesses Health is at the forefront of our minds more than ever. As we see the effects of our well-being on the economy, the health of our industries has also come under scrutiny. Utilizing data from the Centers for Disease Control, business formation company ZenBusiness has taken a look at which industries are the most and least healthy. The study used the CDC's most recent National Health Interview Survey, limiting industries to the top 30 results by weighted population. Each worker's health noted in the survey was self-reported. Also of note in the study:

  • The average worker reports taking 2.6 sick days annually. Several workers in industries like hospitality (65%), food manufacturing (64%), and food services (61%) reported taking no sick days at all.

  • Postal workers saw the most improved health, with a 29% increase in very good or excellent health. Repair and maintenance workers saw a 13.9% decrease in health—over twice the decrease of bankers and monetary authorities, who reported a 6.4% decrease in health.

  • Less than 80% of workers reported being covered by health insurance in the repair and maintenance, food services, and construction industries.

See our slideshow for the top 5 healthiest and least healthy industries, and click here for the full report. Read more:

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Richard Binder

Richard Binder, based in New York, is part of the social media team at ALM. He is also a 2014 recipient of the ASPBE Award for Excellence in the Humorous/Fun Department.

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