The industry you work in and your employer can make a huge difference when it comes to work-life balance. However, a new report from Solitaire Bliss indicates that the state you live in could also play a part.
The report analyzed the average time spent on a variety of leisure activities reported in the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Time Use Survey and found that Missouri, Louisiana, and Connecticut were the three best states for work-life balance.
Why It Matters
In the years following the coronavirus pandemic, conversations around work-life balance have reignited, with remote work and flexibility becoming key offerings for employers to attract top talent.
While some employers feel it’s vital to reduce turnover and attract top talent, others are more restrictive, preferring maximum time in the office.
The map shows the states with the best work life balance.
What To Know
Missouri, Louisiana, Connecticut, Indiana and Massachusetts all ranked in the top five for states with the best work-life balance, with a leisure-to-work ratio of 1.3 or more.
Closely following in the top 10 were Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Illinois.
Meanwhile, Utah, Kansas, and Iowa are the three worst states for work-life balance.
“You’d expect Utah to be near the top given its strong outdoor lifestyle and recreational appeal,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “To see it ranked as the worst state is a bit of an anomaly. That said, Utah’s cost of living is higher than the national average, which could be a contributing factor.”
Other trends emerged in the data, according to Solitaire Bliss.
“Some states ranked higher in work-life balance due to outside factors such as shorter commute times, job flexibility, and access to leisure-friendly environments such as nature,” Solitaire Bliss CEO Neal Taparia told Newsweek. “This is especially seen with states such as California, where people spend the most time playing sports and in spiritual activities.”
While California and Pennsylvania residents spent the most leisure time on religious and spiritual activities, people in Nebraska and Missouri spent the most leisure time socializing and relaxing.
California and Oklahoma residents were heavy on sports and exercise, while Iowa and Michigan saw high rates of leisure time spent traveling.
File photo of a child painting while his mother works in the background. File photo of a child painting while his mother works in the background. Christian Ender/Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Solitaire Bliss CEO Neal Taparia told Newsweek: “The findings suggest that an even balance of work-life activities is closely tied to overall well-being, mental health, and productivity. States that support more leisure time often have healthier, more satisfied residents, and the residents are far less likely to experience burnout.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “It may surprise some to see Missouri, Louisiana and Indiana beating out states more renowned for their outdoor-heavy activities like Utah and Colorado when it comes to a better work-life balance. However, work-life balance isn’t just about options; it’s about accessibility.
“Some states have a better mixture of not just increased options for life outside of work, but they also benefit from shorter commute times, better job flexibility, and more affordable options for making activities with families or groups an easier possibility.”
What Happens Next
Companies that prioritize work-life balance are likely to reap the benefits in the years to come, Taparia said.
“As more people recognize these benefits and as employees begin to speak out about the importance of having leisure time, employers could start offering more supportive practices, such as flexible hours or even four-day workweeks,” Taparia said. “On the employer side, enacting these changes could improve morale in the workplace and retention rates.”
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