When young people dream of aspirational careers, they often picture themselves as CEOs, influencers, or movie stars. Yet, it’s the essential workers—nurses, teachers, paramedics, and social workers, for instance—who are truly the backbone of society. These everyday heroes, who are often underpaid and underrecognized, form the foundation of our communities. Unfortunately, many are leaving their professions in record numbers due to burnout and high stress.
Take registered nurses, for example. A recent survey revealed that 33% were likely to leave their jobs by the end of the second year, primarily due to the intense demands of the role. This trend highlights the need for organizations to explore new ways of supporting these vital workers, helping them find renewed purpose and energy in their careers.
Careerminds, a global outplacement agency, surveyed 3,000 respondents to find out which professions are most valued in across the country, shining a light on those who keep our society going. The top 10 most valued workers in the Volunteer Statewere as follows:
#1 Nurses
Nurses emerged as Tennesseans’ most valued profession in 2024. Nurses are both the steady hands and the empathetic hearts of healthcare, yet their profession requires an often overwhelming balance of physical stamina and emotional resilience. Long shifts, high patient loads, and the emotional weight of constant care leave many nurses at risk of burnout. This field’s high turnover shows a clear need for better support structures.
#2 Teachers
More than just educators, teachers inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. They often pay for supplies out of pocket, stay long hours, and put tremendous emotional energy into their classrooms. Teaching may be rewarding, but a lack of support and rising class sizes can lead to burnout, prompting many to leave a field they once loved.
#3 Caregivers
Often working quietly in homes and facilities, caregivers for the elderly and disabled build relationships that go beyond daily support. Though they play a critical role in quality of life, many work for minimal pay and face limited professional recognition. Their genuine kindness and dedication form a backbone of compassion in our society.
#4 Paramedics
Paramedics respond to emergencies, often risking their own safety to save lives. They work under intense pressure, making split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. However, the job’s high demands, coupled with traumatic experiences and irregular hours, contribute to burnout and high turnover rates within this profession.
#5 Community Outreach Workers
Community outreach workers are experts at building connections and fostering trust within the neighborhoods they serve. They navigate resource gaps, advocating for the needs of others while often facing considerable challenges themselves. Underappreciated and frequently under-resourced, they still work tirelessly for positive change in people’s lives.
#6 Firefighters
Whether facing down blazing fires or responding to crises, Tennessee’s firefighters are synonymous with courage and dedication. Their work is high-stakes and physically punishing, yet their sacrifice often goes unrecognized except during a crisis. Without adequate mental health support, many are left to shoulder the intense physical and emotional weight alone.
#7 Utility Workers
Utility workers truly showed their worth during the recent Florida storms, risking their lives to keep homes and businesses functioning under dangerous conditions, and also emerged among Tennessee’smost valued professions. These often unseen professionals are the ones who make sure your lights turn on, your water is safe, and your gas runs smoothly. Utility workers work under extreme conditions, tackling high-risk maintenance and emergency responses, yet are largely taken for granted until something goes wrong.
#8 Social Workers
As tireless advocates for the vulnerable, social workers manage everything from child welfare cases to mental health support, offering help in moments of crisis. In return, they face overwhelming caseloads and high-stress demands, all while being essential voices for those in need. It’s a profession that deserves more recognition and a sustainable level of support.
#9 Grocery Store Workers
Often among the lowest-paid workers, grocery store staff proved their essential role during the pandemic, making sure communities had access to food and supplies. From working long shifts to stocking shelves and helping customers, they keep society’s basic needs met. While their contributions are vital, they rarely receive the appreciation they deserve.
#10 Postal Workers
Postal workers are the human connection in an increasingly digital world, making sure we receive letters, medicines, and packages on time and often under challenging conditions. From adverse weather to strenuous delivery routes, they take on incredible tasks with minimal recognition, ensuring every community remains connected.
Interactive map showing the most appreciated professions per state (click on ’embed’ to host on your site)
When asked which aspect of essential workers’ contributions was most valued, respondents overwhelmingly pointed to their dedication to helping others, with 35% expressing admiration for the commitment that drives these professionals to serve. Another 30% highlighted the critical role essential workers play in ensuring society’s smooth functioning, noting how their work is integral to daily life. The ability to work under pressure came in as the third most valued attribute, with 20% acknowledging the calm and resolve these workers bring, especially in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Lastly, resilience during crises earned 15%, a testament to the grit essential workers demonstrate in the face of emergencies.
However, the appreciation for essential workers is often tempered by the numerous challenges they face daily. The survey revealed that low pay and a lack of recognition are the biggest obstacles, according to 39% of respondents, underscoring the disconnect between societal reliance on these professionals and the rewards they receive. Burnout and stress ranked as the second most significant challenge, with 26% recognizing the mental and emotional toll of roles that demand so much. Insufficient support from employers and the government also loomed large, with 18% of participants pointing to a need for better resources and advocacy. For 17%, long working hours represented a key issue, highlighting the grueling schedules many essential workers keep.
The survey also tapped into how Tennesseecommunities could better support these hidden heroes. Nearly half of respondents (48%) advocated for higher wages and benefits, suggesting a strong desire to see fair compensation for the work essential workers do. Public recognition came in as the second most preferred form of support, with 19% of people feeling that celebrating these workers’ contributions could foster respect and appreciation. Additionally, 18% supported offering mental health and wellness programs to address burnout, and 15% pointed to ensuring safer working conditions as essential to preserving both physical and mental well-being.
“Essential workers are the backbone of our communities, yet many are facing burnout at an unprecedented rate,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds. “Society needs to find innovative retention strategies that don’t just keep these vital workers in their roles but also support their well-being and sense of purpose. One such approach is redeployment, where employees can be temporarily placed in roles with lighter demands, allowing them a chance to recharge and reconnect with their passion. By offering flexible pathways like this, we can create a more sustainable career journey for essential workers, one that values both their contribution and their health.”
Story provided by Careerminds.com
