US life-work balance key findings
Maine has moved up eight places since the 2022 index owing to our new safety metric. By contrast, the least safe state sits at the foot of the table — Louisiana scoring just 31.64 out of 100 in the safety category according to World Population Review.
The South houses many of the lowest-ranked states for life-work balance, with nine of the ten lowest positions located there, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
In contrast, the west of the US dominates the higher ranks of our index, with eight of the top 20 places held by western states.
Illinois, Maine, and Nevada offer the most generous statutory annual leave — five days for each — which has materially boosted their index positions.
Washington tops the list for minimum wage, where workers earn $16.28 per hour, and also provides the highest maternity leave payment rate — up to 90% of a worker’s wage (capped at $1,000 per week).
The happiest state in the US? Hawaii — unsurprising given the Aloha State’s warm welcome, scenic beauty, and enviable climate.
Prefer lots of free time? Alaskarecords the shortest average working week in the US, with residents working just over 27 hours per week on average.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine lead the way for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, scoring highly for legal rights and public acceptance.
The safest state to live and work in is Vermont.
Residents of New Mexico are least likely to lose pay when ill, as the state provides eight paid sick days — the highest allowance in our study.
What we mean by life-work balance and how it appears in the United States
At Remote, we intentionally prefer the phrase life-work balance over work-life balance, underscoring that personal life — family, hobbies, and rest — should take precedence over professional demands.
This reframing matters because in the United States, the balance between work and personal time has long been a point of dissatisfaction. Even as flexi-time and four-day workweeks enter mainstream debate, lengthy hours, limited vacation, and varying state rules on matters such as maternity leave and sick pay continue to be contested issues.
We do not diminish the value of careers — many find purpose through work — yet it is vital to balance job hours with life beyond the desk. One clear lesson of the pandemic was how much happier people can be when given more time to focus on life outside work. Both physical and mental health hinge on this equilibrium.
We are pleased to support this shift through our comprehensive global HR solutions — including our employer of record services — enabling more flexible hiring and working arrangements than ever before. If you are considering relocation, we also provide relocation services and maintain a dedicated talent hub for remote-friendly vacancies. So whether you are an employer aiming to build a global team or a candidate exploring new horizons (in a US state or abroad), we can assist.
How is life-work balance changing globally?
Life-work balance is not unique to the United States; it is a worldwide concern.
Our independent research finds countries such as Ireland, Iceland, and Denmark consistently excel in this area, topping our European study. Our global life-work index placed New Zealand at number one, credited to its generous annual leave entitlements and status as one of the safest countries for living and working.
Globally there is room for improvement, yet at Remote we remain hopeful about progress. We are committed to supporting the ongoing evolution of attitudes towards life-work balance and look forward to next year’s findings.
