This Is the Best State for Work-Life Balance

When it comes to work-life balance, the majority of American workers – 60% – say it’s a struggle to achieve it. Along with the acceleration of trends such as quitting quietly and burnout (more than 75% of workers reported experiencing burnout at their workplace) in recent years, work-life balance is more important than ever.

What some may not know is that it can depend on where you live.

Some US states are easier to live and work in than others. For this reason, the staffing company Remote decided to sift through the data to create a final ranking.

Through data analysis, Remote produced a nationwide ranking of the top states “to live and work in in the United States for a strong life-work balance.” The results may not be what you expect.

What exactly is work-life balance?

Most of us have some idea of ​​what work-life balance means. But most importantly, what is the working definition of work-life balance?

Per Remote’s definition, “Life-work balance is a work culture that understands that life should come before work.” The company goes on to say that it is a general culture where employees can thrive in their careers without affecting other areas of your life. These areas can relate to aspects such as health (physical and emotional), family, leisure and well-being.

What factors were considered to determine the nationwide work-life balance ranking?

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To calculate which state has the best work-life balance, Remote considered the following “critical factors” of each state:

• healthcare
• Minimum wage (USD per hour)
• Maternity leave and payment rate
• Statutory annual leave
• sick pay
• Average hours worked per week
• Overall happiness level on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being happiest)
• LGBTQ+ inclusivity on a scale of 0-9 (9 being the highest inclusivity rating)

Remote then ran an index data analysis to highlight the ease of work-life balance in each state. Remote clarifies that these factors shape the ecosystem regardless of in-person, hybrid, or remote work. However, the company acknowledges that “hybrid or remote work is a good place to start.”

Which state has the best work-life balance?

The number one federal state with the best work-life balance may come as a surprise. After all, some might expect the largest states, or ones like California or Florida — full of beaches and sunshine — to offer the best work-life balance.

However, Remote found that Connecticut is the best state for work-life balance! The picturesque East Coast state offers many advantages that allow it to top the national rankings. In fact, these are the top 10 states with the best work-life balance:

1. Connecticut
2. Washington
3. new York
4. California
5. Rhode Island
6. New Jersey
7. Oregon
8. Vermont
9. Maine
10. Massachusetts

From coast to coast, these states consistently offer the highest minimum wage in the country, as well as mandatory sick pay and inclusive work environments.

Why is Connecticut the best state for work-life balance?

According to Remote, Connecticut takes home the trophy for best work-life balance for a number of reasons. First, because the minimum wage is $14 an hour, which is 34% higher than the national minimum wage average overall. In addition, Connecticut offers 12 weeks of paid maternity leave at a 95% maternity pay rate. Also, the state encourages a high level of LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

How did the other states fare?

Here is the full list:

1. Connecticut
2. Washington
3. new York
4. California
5. Rhode Island
6. New Jersey
7. Oregon
8. Vermont
9. Maine
10. Massachusetts
11. Arizona
12. Colorado
13. Maryland
14. Hawaii
15. New Mexico
16. Michigan
17. Minnesota
18. Alaska
19. New Hampshire
20. Iowa
21. Missouri
22. Montana
23. North Dakota
24. Delaware
25. Illinois
26. Utah
27. Nevada
28. Virginia
29. Arkansas
30. Florida
31. Nebraska
32. Kansas
33. Pennsylvania
34. Kentucky
35. Ohio
36. Idaho
37. South Carolina
38. West Virginia
39. Wisconsin
40. Oklahoma
41. Texas
42. Wyoming
43. Mississippi
44. North Carolina
45. Indiana
46. Georgia
47. Alabama
48. South Dakota
49. Tennessee
50. Louisiana

Nonetheless, Remote encourages employers to offer a healthy work-life balance. “Companies that are committed to enabling their employees to enjoy a healthy work-life balance are likely to have a more engaged — and consequently more productive — workforce,” the organization writes.

Sources:

• Remote: USA Life-Work Balance Index by state