The importance of work-life balance
In 2025, it’s estimated that the number of US workers performing their roles remotely will rise to 22% — a substantial increase initially triggered by the pandemic but now fuelled by a growing appetite for a greater life-work balance.
For many, this balance is still hard to achieve. 51% of US employees report feeling “used up” by the end of their workdays, and with studies proving remote workers are happier (and more productive as a result), the argument for workplace flexibility remains unshakable.
But life-work balance isn't just about remote work. It’s influenced by a whole spectrum of factors. So, to uncover which areas of the United States offer the best life-work balance, we’ve updated our industry-leading 2022 study.
In our new and improved US life-work balance index, we created a shortlist of critical metrics, with the addition of an all-new factor: public safety (measured via the World Population Review’s ranking of the safest states). To rank the states fairly, we gave each a total score out of 100, considering the level of statutory and cultural protection each one offers.
Which states come out on top? Read on to find out.
US States life-work balance ranking
Here are the 50 US states ranked by their life-work balance scores, based on a combination of workplace factors such as statutory annual leave, average hours worked per employee, and sick day allowance.
| Rank | US State & Capital City | Region | 2025 State Population | Index Score / 100 | Statutory annual leave
Days | Minimum statutory sick days
Days. Assumed 8hrs per working day. | Paid maternity
leave and
payment rate
Paid maternity
leave and
payment rate | Minimum wage
USD/hr | Healthcare system | Happiness index
Out of 100 | Average hours per week per employed person | LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
Out of 100 | Safety: World Population Review safest states ranking
Out of 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Maine, Augusta | Northeast | 1,402,110 | 69.62 | 5 1hr for every 40 worked up to 40hrs | 5 For companies with 10 employees or more | 0 0 | 14.15 | non-universal insurance system | 51.56 | 39.2 | 86 | 66.95 |
2 | Washington, Olympia | West | 7,841,280 | 64.26 | - | 5 | 12 90 Between 12 and 18 weeks. To qualify you must have worked for the company for at least 820hrs (20.5 weeks) Payment rate capped at $1000 per week | 16.28 | non-universal insurance system | 51.11 | 39.6 | 85 | 59.44 |
3 | Illinois, Springfield | Midwest | 12,516,900 | 63.65 | 5 40hrs per year | 5 | 0 0 | 15 Has changed as of Jan 1st 2025 https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/minimum-wage-law.html | non-universal insurance system | 54.39 | 41.3 | 85 | 47.68 |
4 | Connecticut, Hartford | Northeast | 3,625,650 | 63.07 | - | 5 Applies to companies of 50 employees or more. The minimum may be 0 if small businesses are taken into account. | 12 60 Under state law, eligible employees may also be entitled to up to 12 weeks’ paid parental leave, provided they meet a minimum earnings threshold and have been employed for at least three months. At least 60% payment rate. "weekly benefit rate will be 95% of the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40 plus 60% of amount that average weekly wage exceeds the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40" https://www.ctpaidleave.org/claims/before-you-apply?language=en_US | 15.69 | non-universal insurance system | 60.14 | 39.8 | 87 | 59.88 |
5 | Massachusetts, Boston | Northeast | 7,020,060 | 62.58 | - | 5 | 12 50 | 15 | non-universal insurance system | 58.24 | 39.5 | 89 | 60.02 |
6 | Nevada, Carson City | West | 3,210,930 | 61.37 | 5 0.01923 for every hour worked. 40 x 52 x 0.01923 = 39.9984 Rounded up to 40hrs | 5 | 0 0 | 12 As of July 2024 - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state | non-universal insurance system | 45.88 | 39.7 | 83 | 47.72 |
7 | New York, Albany | Northeast | 19,469,200 | 59.46 | - | 5 Employees of companies of more than 100 people may have 56hrs. | 12 67 12 weeks of family leave that can be used as part of your maternity leave. Also The Temporary Disability Benefits law allows for 4-6 weeks of paid leave for temporary disability related to pregnancy or childbirth | 15.5 A higher rate of $16 applies for employees in New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester. The state minimum wage increased by $0.50 on January 1, 2025 and is scheduled to increase again by $0.50 on January 1, 2026. https://www.ny.gov/new-york-states-minimum-wage/new-york-states-minimum-wage | non-universal insurance system | 52.46 | 40.1 | 82 | 51.92 |
8 | Oregon, Salem | West | 4,227,340 | 59.06 | - | 5 | 12 40 Not everyone is automatically covered. However, anyone who works full or part time for one or more employer is eligible. Federal and government employees are not and those who are self employed are not automatically covered. As full and part time employees covers the majority of people, I'm counting it as 12 weeks. This is family leave and covers the whole gambit of family care. However an additional 2 weeks are available for some people using their family leave for maternity reasons. https://paidleave.oregon.gov/ For payment, contributions are made by both employee and employer. 100% of wage provided, however, through their contributions the employee pays for 60% of it and the employer pays 40%. https://paidleave.oregon.gov/employers/contributions-calculator.html | 14.25 | non-universal insurance system | 44.95 | 37.8 | 83 | 55.48 |
9 | California, Sacramento | West | 38,889,800 | 58.37 | - | 5 Employees can earn up to 48hrs but companies can limit it to 40hrs. | 8 70 Up to 8 weeks paid family leave per year that can be used for maternity leave. Payment rate between 70-90% https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714cf.pdf | 16 | non-universal insurance system | 55.63 | 40.2 | 85 | 48.94 |
10 | Colorado, Denver | West | 5,914,180 | 58.26 | - | 6 | 12 44 Additional 4 weeks available for those who experience pregnancy complications. 44% is the minimum payment rate. The less you earn, the higher the percentage you get - https://famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families/how-famli-works/premium-and-benefits-calculator | 14.42 | non-universal insurance system | 46.29 | 38.3 | 85 | 43.84 |
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The top 10 US states for life-work balance
Which state provides the best balance between work and home life? Below, you’ll find our rundown of the most life-work-friendly states in America.
1. Maine
Overall index score: 69.62
Rocketing up our index, Maine climbs eight places from 2022’s report, laying claim to the title of America’s top state for life-work balance in 2025. The Pine Tree State’s top ranking comes down to its stellar ‘safest state rating’ rating of 66.95 out of 100 — beating all other states in the top 10.
Maine is also a proud supporter of its LGBTQ+ residents, earning it a healthy inclusivity score, and with the average employee clocking 39.2 hours per week on the job, its residents enjoy more free time than the majority of working Americans in other major states like New York or California. With its stunning coastline dotted with picturesque lighthouses, Acadia National Park (one of the most visited national parks in the US), and Maine’s famous seafood cuisine, there’s plenty to keep the locals busy in their downtime!
2. Washington
Overall index score: 64.26
Washington holds its position in 2025 as America’s second-most life-work friendly state. The Evergreen State has plenty to shout about, boasting lush forests, world-famous landmarks such as Seattle’s Space Needle and the very first Starbucks, as well as its status as the birthplace of grunge music.
But what makes Washington such a great place to work, as well as live? The state now boasts the highest minimum wage in the country, with workers paid $16.28 per hour. Washington is also one of only seven US states that don’t levy a personal income tax, so residents stand to earn more on average but also keep hold of more.
3. Illinois
Overall index score: 63.65
A brand-new entry in the top 10 for 2025, Illinois earns third place thanks to its strong score for LGBTQ+ inclusivity (85 out of 100), and its respectable minimum wage. Residents of The Prairie State earn at least $15p/h by state law as of January 2025.
Illinois locals also get the best of both worlds; for many professionals, the bright city lights and hubbub of Chicago can prove tempting, but the state also offers plenty of smaller rural (and affordable) towns, should the hustle and bustle of The Windy City prove unappealing.
4. Connecticut
Overall index score: 63.07
After earning the top spot in 2022, Connecticut falls to fourth in 2025, but manages to hold onto its status as one of the top five US locations for life-work balance. Connecticut’s ranking is thanks to its generous minimum wage ($15.69 p/h), comparatively high happiness score of 60.14, and the fact its residents are entitled to 12 weeks of statutory maternity leave.
This data makes Connecticut one of the best locations for professionals pondering the possibility of raising a family, with parents in The Constitution State eligible to receive 60% of their full-time wage while caring for their new addition, as well as enjoying the joint most statutory maternity leave in the US — 12 weeks!
5. Massachusetts
Overall index score: 62.58
Home to Harvard and MIT, two of the most respected educational institutions in the world, Massachusetts not only boasts a highly skilled populace but also a deep, storied past. From the Boston Tea Party to Plymouth Rock, The Pilgrim State is arguably one of America’s most historically intriguing locales — but what makes it such a great state to work from?
Massachusetts climbs five places this year thanks to its impressive safety score — the second-highest in the top 10 at 60.02 — and its high score of 89 for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Combine these factors with The Bay State’s healthy minimum wage offering of $15p/h, and it’s easy to see why it’s such an appealing location!
6. Nevada
Overall index score: 61.37
A newcomer to the top 10, Nevada’s spot is largely down to its annual leave allowance. Nevada is one of only three states with guaranteed statutory leave of up to five days per year. Alongside Maine and Illinois, Nevadans are accustomed to getting a little more me-time than the rest of the US.
On their days off, residents of Nevada have plenty to see and do. From the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon to Lake Tahoe, it’s a state packed with natural beauty and a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors.
7. New York
Overall index score: 59.46
Tumbling a few positions since our 2022 edition, New York still places a respectable seventh in this year’s index. A state bolstered by its ever-prosperous economy, New York offers a generous 12 weeks of statutory maternity leave, alongside a maternity leave payment percentage of 67% — one of seven other states to offer any allowance at all.
New York is a natural choice for city-loving families, and with the fourth-highest minimum wage offering (a healthy $15.50 p/h), it’s easy to see why the state is so popular among workers.
8. Oregon
Overall index score: 59.06
Falling one place in this year’s index, Oregon hangs onto its spot in the top ten thanks to its lower-than-average working hours (37.8 hours per week), high LGBTQ+ inclusivity score, and a decent average hourly wage in comparison to most other states.
Oregon also offers a particularly high standard of living, boasting beautiful scenery, creative communities (Portland in particular), a focus on eco-friendly practices, and no sales tax, making every dollar go that little bit further.
9. California
Overall index score: 58.37
Scraping its way into the top 10, California may have fallen five places in our updated index, but given its ample minimum wage offering of $16p/h, the Golden State is still an attractive option for US workers.
Californians enjoy up to five days of statutory sick pay, an ample 70% payment rate for maternity leave, and some of the most inclusive workplaces in the US. However, residents also have to be comfortable with longer working hours, with employees spending an average of over 40 hours on the job per week.
10. Colorado
Overall index score: 58.26
Another new entry into the top 10 is Colorado. The Centennial State offers its residents one of the most generous sick day allowances of any state — six days — along with 12 weeks of maternity leave, and one of the shortest average working weeks in the US.
But what do Coloradans like to do in their downtime? We’d wager their schedules are jam-packed. From the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park to the liveliness of the state’s capital, Denver; home to world-renowned attractions such as Coors Field and the Denver Art Museum. For music lovers, Colorado is also where you’ll find Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a venue that’s played host to musical legends like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen.
US life-work balance key findings
Maine has climbed eight places since 2022’s index, thanks to the introduction of our new safety metric. Meanwhile, America’s least safe state languishes at the bottom of the table — Louisiana only scored 31.64 out of 100 in this category, according to World Population Review’s ranking of the safest states.
The South is home to some of the lowest-scoring locations for life-work balance, with nine out of ten of the lowest-ranked states found there, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
In contrast, the west of the US dominates the top of our index, with eight of the top 20 positions belonging to western states.
Illinois, Maine, and Nevada offer the most generous statutory annual leave allowances — five days for each state — significantly boosting their index standings.
Washington leads the pack for minimum wage, with workers earning $16.28p/h, while also offering the highest maternity leave payment rate — up 90% of a worker’s wage (capped at $1,000 per week).
The happiest state in the US? Hawaii. No surprises here, though — the Aloha State is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, stunning scenery, and envy-inducing weather.
Value your free time? Alaska is home to the shortest working week in America. Alaskan residents work on average just over 27 hours a week.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine lead the way for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, scoring highly for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.
The safest state to live and work in is Vermont.
Residents of New Mexico are least likely to lose wages when they’re ill, as their state offers eight paid sick days in America — the highest in the study.
What is life-work balance and what does it look like in the United States?
At Remote, we deliberately avoid using the term work-life balance, instead opting to flip the phrase, emphasizing that our personal lives — family commitments, hobbies, downtime — deserve precedence over our careers.
It’s an important revision, particularly because in the United States, the equilibrium between work and free time has long been a source of discontent. Even today, in a world where flexi-time and the 4-day work week are seen as valid points of discussion, long hours, limited vacation time and state-governed rules on core issues like maternity leave and sick pay remain as contentious as ever.
Our careers shouldn’t be seen as unimportant — the vast majority of society derives purpose in working — but there’s a crucial balance to be struck between the hours we spend on the job, and what we do away from our desks. One of the greatest lessons learned from the pandemic was just how much happier humans can be when they’re allowed more time to focus on life outside of work. Our physical and mental health depends on this balance.
We’re proud to support this shift through our full suite of global HR solutions — including our employer of record services — making hiring (and working) more flexible than ever before. If you’re inspired to relocate, we also offer relocation services and a dedicated talent hub for discovering remote-friendly job openings. So, whether you’re an employer looking to build a global team or an applicant seeking new horizons (in a US state or another country altogether) we can help.
How is life-work balance evolving around the world?
Life-work balance isn’t an issue confined to the United States; it’s a global concern.
Our independent research shows that countries like Ireland, Iceland, and Denmark consistently lead the way in this area, topping the charts in our European study. Meanwhile, our global life-work index revealed New Zealand as the world leader, ranking #1 thanks to its generous annual leave allowance and status as one of the safest countries to live and work in.
Globally, there’s still progress to be made, but at Remote, we’re optimistic about the future. We remain committed to supporting the continual evolution of attitudes toward life-work balance, and we’re excited to see next year’s results!
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Methodology
We conducted an index data analysis of all 50 US states to reveal which American state offers employees the best life-work balance.
Our goal with this study was to accurately represent each state’s life-work balance, tweaking the familiar concept of work-life balance to showcase how the businesses of each country look after the lives of their employees and put life before work.
Data points used for this index:
Statutory annual leave (total days of paid leave, including paid public holidays)*
Minimum statutory sick pay (days)
Statutory maternity leave (weeks paid)
Statutory maternity leave payment rate (percent of wage)
Minimum wage (USD per hour) (Dividing annual minimum wage (US$) rate by 52 weeks and then by the length of the standard hour workweek.)
Healthcare status
Happiness index score
Average hours per week per employed person
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity (0-100, 100 being highest to reflect the Legal Index scores the legal rights and freedoms LGBTQ+ people have while the Public Opinion Index scores how the general public feels in each region.)
Safety: World Population Review Safest States ranking
The metrics were adjusted with index weights to reflect relative importance, providing each US State with an overall score out of 100. All data points are ranked from highest to lowest aside from healthcare which is ranked out of five (with 1 being the best), average hours worked per week, and safety score, both of which are ranked from lowest (best) to highest.
The data was collected and analyzed from December 2024 to January 2025.
(*) When a range was offered for a State’s statutory annual leave and minimum wage, the minimum amount was listed.