This Is the Best State for Work-Life Balance
Updated: Nov. 23, 2023
The top state may surprise you.
When it comes to work life balance, the majority of American workers—60%—say achieving it is a struggle. Along with the acceleration of trends like quiet quitting and burnout (more than 75% of workers reported experiencing burn-out at their jobs) in recent years, prioritizing work-life balance is more important than ever.
What some may not know, however, is that this can be dependent on where you live.
Some U.S. states are easier to live and work in than others. That’s why employee services company, Remote, decided to look at the data to create a definitive ranking.
Through data analysis, Remote created a nationwide ranking of the top states “in which to live and work in the United States for a strong life-work balance.” The results may not be what you’re expecting.
What is work-life balance, exactly?
Most of us have a general idea of what work-life balance means. But particularly, what is the working definition of work-life balance?
According to Remote’s definition, “life-work balance is a working culture that understands that life should come before work.” The company goes on to say that it’s a general culture in which employees can succeed in their career without that affecting other areas of their lives. Those areas may refer to aspects like health (physical and emotional), family, leisure time and wellbeing.
What factors were considered to determine the nationwide ranking of work-life balance?
In order to calculate which state has the best work-life balance, Remote took the following “critical factors” of each state into account:
- Healthcare
- Minimum wage (USD per hour)
- Maternity leave and payment rate
- Statutory annual leave
- Sick pay
- Average hours worked per week
- Overall happiness levels on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the happiest)
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity on a scale of 0-9 (with 9 reflecting the highest inclusivity rating)
Then, Remote conducted an index data analysis to highlight the ease of ability to achieve work-life balance in each state. Remote clarifies that these factors shape the ecosystem regardless of in-person, hybrid or remote work. Although, the company does acknowledge that “hybrid or remote work is a great start.”
What state has the best work-life balance?
The number one state with the best work-life balance may come as a surprise. After all, some may 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 the top state for work-life balance happens to be Connecticut! The quaint East Coast state offers plenty of benefits that allow it to lead the national ranking. In fact, these are the top 10 states with the best work-life balance:
- Connecticut
- Washington
- New York
- California
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Maine
- Massachusetts
From coast to coast, across the board these states tend to offer the highest minimum wage nation-wide, as well as mandatory sick pay and inclusive work environments.
Why is Connecticut the best state for work-life balance?
According to Remote, Connecticut clenches the trophy for best work-life balance state for a few reasons. First, because its minimum wage is $14 per hour, which is 34% higher than the nationwide minimum wage average overall. Additionally, Connecticut offers 12 weeks of paid maternity leave at a 95% maternity payment rate. Plus, the state promotes high levels of LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
How did the other states rank?
Here’s the full list:
- Connecticut
- Washington
- New York
- California
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Hawaii
- New Mexico
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Alaska
- New Hampshire
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Utah
- Nevada
- Virginia
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Pennsylvania
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Idaho
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Wyoming
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Georgia
- Alabama
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
Nonetheless, Remote encourages employers to offer a healthy life-work balance. “Businesses that commit to ensuring their employees can enjoy a healthy life-work balance are likely to have more engaged—and consequently more productive—workforce,” the organization writes.
Next, read these work-life balance quotes to inspire and celebrate healthy boundaries
Sources:
- Remote: “USA Life-Work Balance Index by state”
