Louisiana is America’s Hardest Working State, According to Study

(KMDL-FM) As April marks Stress Awareness Month, a new study is highlighting just how imbalanced work and life can be, especially for Americans.

U.S. Ranks Last in Work-Life Balance

According to research conducted by Compare the Market Australia, the United States ranks last in work-life balance. The study evaluated 39 countries using factors like hours worked, paid leave, commute times, and access to remote work. The U.S. finished 39th out of 39, with a total score of just 28 out of 100.

Why the U.S. Scored So Low

On average, Americans work 1,799 hours per year, or about 34.6 hours per week. While that number may not seem extreme, the bigger issue is what workers don’t get. The U.S. is the only country in the study without federally mandated paid annual leave or paid parental leave, two benefits widely considered essential to maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

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Despite these shortcomings, Americans do average about 14.6 hours per day for personal care and leisure outside of work. Access to remote work also slightly boosted the country’s overall happiness score, though not enough to lift it from the bottom of the rankings.

A Closer Look at Louisiana

Closer to home, the numbers paint a tough picture for workers in Louisiana. The state ranks among those where employees work the longest hours relative to their pay. On average, Louisianans clock in 36.5 hours per week, earning about $1,047.55 weekly, or roughly $28.70 per hour.

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How Other Areas Compare

Neighboring Texas reports slightly fewer average hours at 35.8 per week, but with higher weekly earnings at $1,184.26. Meanwhile, places like the District of Columbia top the list in earnings, with workers bringing in over $1,800 per week on average.

A Growing Conversation Around Work and Stress

The findings add to a growing conversation around workplace expectations, compensation, and the importance of time off, especially during a month dedicated to raising awareness about stress and mental health.