In a recent survey by Careerminds, grocery store workers topped the list of Georgia’s most valued professions for 2024, chosen over nurses, teachers, and paramedics.
Just the Facts:
- Careerminds surveyed 3,000 respondents nationwide to rank essential professions.
- In Georgia, grocery store workers earned the top spot, with teachers and nurses following closely.
- Respondents valued dedication to helping others, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure as key attributes of essential workers.
- Key challenges for these workers include low pay, limited recognition, and high stress.
The Details: During the pandemic, grocery store workers continued serving communities despite health risks, long shifts, and often low wages. This year’s poll reinforces their importance to customers. Educators, nurses, and utility workers rounded out the top ranks, all professions known for high stress, burnout, and emotional demands.
By the Numbers:
- Top Professions: #1 Grocery Store Workers, #2 Teachers, #3 Nurses.
- Support Needed: 48% of respondents advocated for higher wages; 19% favored public recognition; 18% supported wellness programs; 15% called for safer work conditions.
- Challenges Identified: 39% cited low pay and limited recognition, 26% noted burnout, 18% called for more employer and government support, and 17% mentioned long working hours.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
