Work-Life Balance Crisis: New Study Reveals Most Burned-Out U.S. States
The holiday season brings a stark reminder of America's growing workplace wellness concerns, as new data shows employee burnout reached alarming levels in 2024. A striking 51% of workers reported experiencing burnout this year—marking a 15% increase from the previous year. As job seekers increasingly prioritize work-life balance and seek positions that combine high compensation with low stress, a recent study has identified which U.S. states face the greatest challenges in workplace wellness.
## Study Methodology
MattressNextDay conducted a comprehensive analysis of all U.S. states, evaluating seven key factors:
- Average weekly working hours
- Employment rates
- Mental health issues prevalence
- Nicotine use rates
- New entrepreneur percentages
- "Side hustle" search volume
- Social media sentiment toward "hustle culture"
## Top 10 States With the Worst Work-Life Balance
### 1. Louisiana
- Highest average working hours: 36.2 hours weekly
- Zero positive sentiment toward hustle culture
- 18.3% smoking rate (third-highest nationally)
### 2. West Virginia
- Third-highest weekly working hours: 35.5
- Highest smoking rate: 22.4%
- Significant mental health challenges (20.7% of population)
- Zero positive hustle culture sentiment
### 3. Arkansas
- Average 34.8 weekly working hours
- 17% smoking rate (seventh-highest)
- Zero positive hustle culture sentiment
- Limited employer support for side businesses
### 4. Tennessee
- 35.1 average weekly working hours
- 96.6% employment rate
- 19.2% of population reporting poor mental health
### 5. Texas
- Second-longest average work week: 35.8 hours
- High entrepreneur activity (0.47%)
- 132,500 annual "side hustle" searches
- Strong interest in entrepreneurship alongside full-time work
### 6. North Dakota
- 35 average weekly working hours
- 97.9% employment rate (second-highest)
- 19.1% reporting mental health issues
- Zero positive sentiment toward side hustles
### 7. Florida
- 34.1 average weekly working hours
- Highest new entrepreneur rate (0.6%)
- 106,000 annual "side hustle" searches
- Strong transition from side businesses to full-time entrepreneurship
### 8. Vermont
- Highest mental health issues rate (21.8%, tied with Oregon)
- 33.2 average weekly working hours
- Zero positive hustle culture sentiment
### 9. Maine
- 33.5 average weekly working hours
- 97.4% employment rate
- 19.2% reporting mental health issues
- Zero positive hustle culture sentiment
### 10. Georgia
- 34.5 average weekly working hours
- High entrepreneur rate (0.46%)
- 58,500 annual "side hustle" searches
- Strong entrepreneurial interest
## Expert Insights
Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay and senior sleep expert, warns about the dangers of excessive work culture. He notes that while side hustles can provide additional income and entrepreneurial opportunities, the resulting stress can lead to:
- Sleep disruption
- Circadian rhythm disturbance
- Deteriorating physical and mental health
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Anger management issues
## Recommendations
While geographic location plays a role in work-life balance challenges, individuals can use the study's seven factors as a framework for preventing burnout:
1. Monitor working hours
2. Assess job stability without overcommitment
3. Prioritize mental health
4. Maintain healthy habits
5. Balance entrepreneurial pursuits
6. Evaluate additional income needs carefully
7. Resist toxic hustle culture
These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, regardless of location. The data suggests that even in states with strong economic indicators, the pursuit of career success must be balanced against personal wellbeing to prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity.