Work-life balance is essential to a happy life. Unfortunately, far too many people think work is the most critical thing in life, an attitude that seeps into our everyday lives.
States with the Best Work-Life Balance
Some state governments are starting to realize that time off is essential for a happy life and work to promote work-life balance for their residents.
These states are leading the way in employee wellness.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire leads the way with an overall ranking of 8.6 out of 10. The Granite State scored well in rating factors on annual salary, occupational stress, and the number of hours spent working each week.
Utah
Utah placed second on the list, scoring 8.2 out of 10 points. Utah residents have low occupational stress and earn nearly double the US average salary per household.
South Dakota
Mount Rushmore State takes third place, achieving high scores in employee work hours. The high score means employees in South Dakota work fewer hours than average for similar pay.
New Jersey
We swing back east for the 4th spot, with New Jersey residents enjoying less stress at work than average.
Minnesota
Minnesota residents enjoy stress-free work days. The state ranked best for reducing occupational stress.
Alaska
Alaskans spend the least amount of time working, which means they have the most free time. Alaska ranked sixth overall, achieving a total score of 8 out of 10 on the matrix.
North Dakota
North Dakota also scored 8 total points, tying Alaska for sixth place. Alaskans work fewer hours, but North Dakotans are close on their heels.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts scored high marks for reducing occupational stress, but the state’s high overall cost of living likely pushed them down a little. The state achieved a total of 7.9 out of 10 points.
Maryland
Shockingly, Maryland ranked high in the occupational stress category unless they omitted commuters working nearby Washington, DC. The state ranked slightly below Massachusetts overall, scoring 7.8.
Iowa
Iowa represents the Midwest in the top ten, tying with Maryland at 7.8. Iowa residents enjoy fewer working hours on average.
Methodology
Tech experts at Hostinger conducted the research, comparing numerous factors to determine which states enjoyed the best work-life balance. The variables included average working hours, occupational stress, living wage, average salary, and retirement savings guidelines.
Hostinger assumed that these factors would provide hints as to which states prioritize wellness over work.
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Where Did Your State Land?
Here’s the complete list – see where your state ranked!
| State | Overall Ranking |
| New Hampshire | 8.62 |
| Utah | 8.24 |
| South Dakota | 8.22 |
| New Jersey | 8.09 |
| Minnesota | 8.07 |
| Alaska | 8.00 |
| North Dakota | 7.96 |
| Massachusetts | 7.88 |
| Maryland | 7.87 |
| Iowa | 7.81 |
| Connecticut | 7.75 |
| Nebraska | 7.72 |
| Virginia | 7.63 |
| Washington | 7.59 |
| Colorado | 7.56 |
| Kansas | 7.54 |
| Hawaii | 7.52 |
| Vermont | 7.50 |
| Rhode Island | 7.41 |
| Wisconsin | 7.37 |
| Missouri | 7.32 |
| Ohio | 7.30 |
| Idaho | 7.26 |
| Pennsylvania | 7.24 |
| Wyoming | 7.19 |
| Tennessee | 7.17 |
| Montana | 7.13 |
| Delaware | 7.13 |
| Maine | 7.09 |
| Mississippi | 7.08 |
| California | 7.05 |
| Illinois | 7.01 |
| Indiana | 7.00 |
| Oregon | 7.00 |
| Oklahoma | 6.97 |
| Arkansas | 6.95 |
| Alabama | 6.92 |
| Kentucky | 6.89 |
| Texas | 6.88 |
| New York | 6.85 |
| Georgia | 6.82 |
| Michigan | 6.81 |
| Nevada | 6.77 |
| Florida | 6.72 |
| South Carolina | 6.70 |
| North Carolina | 6.67 |
| Arizona | 6.63 |
| New Mexico | 6.58 |
| West Virginia | 6.39 |
| Louisiana | 6.06 |