Are You Working Too Hard? This Labor Day Study Reveals Which States Have the Most (and Least!) Hardworking Americans
Written by Zach Miller on August 26, 2025
Happy almost-Labor Day, Froggy 102.7 listeners! Ready for some surprising news about how hard we really work?
As we gear up for Labor Day weekend (yes, it’s this Monday!), a fascinating new study has dropped some eye-opening results about America’s hardest-working states. And trust me, the findings might make you feel a little better about hitting that snooze button one more time.
The Big Surprise: The Dakotas and Alaska Take the Crown
According to WalletHub’s 2025 study, North Dakota has claimed the top spot as America’s hardest-working state, followed closely by Alaska and South Dakota. These states ranked highest based on factors like employment rates, hours worked per week, average commutes, and how much free time people actually get to enjoy.
Here’s what makes North Dakota workers so dedicated:
- Nearly 98% employment rate (third-highest in the country!)
- Workers average 39.6 hours per week
- 33.5% of workers leave vacation time unused (ouch!)
- They have the 11th-lowest amount of leisure time per day
Meanwhile, Alaskans work the longest hours in the nation at 41.6 hours per week – the only state where the average exceeds 40 hours!
Where Does Indiana Land?
Good news for us Hoosiers – we’re right in the middle! Indiana ranks 33rd out of 50 states, which means we’ve found a pretty decent work-life balance compared to our neighbors. We ranked 30th in “direct work factors” (things like hours worked and employment rates) and 29th in “indirect work factors” (like commute times and volunteer hours).
For perspective, Illinois ranked much lower at 42nd, while Kentucky came in at 39th. So Indiana workers are putting in solid effort without completely burning themselves out!
The States That Know How to Chill
On the flip side, Michigan landed dead last as the “least hardest-working” state, followed by West Virginia, Rhode Island, Nevada, and New York. Before Michigan residents get defensive – this doesn’t mean they’re lazy! It could mean they’ve mastered that work-life balance we’re all striving for.
The Reality Check: Are We Working Too Much?
Here’s a statistic that might make you pause during your morning coffee: Americans work an average of 1,805 hours per year. That’s 470 hours more than our German friends but 447 hours less than workers in Colombia. We also left 33% of our paid time off unused in 2023.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt guilty about taking a vacation day! 🙋♀️
What This Really Means for Indiana Workers
These statistics hit differently when you’re juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and everything in between. Whether you’re managing school pickups, grocery runs, or trying to squeeze in household tasks after a long day, Indiana’s middle-of-the-pack ranking might actually be good news. It suggests we’ve found a decent balance without completely burning ourselves out.
The key takeaway? It’s okay to not be the “hardest working” state. Sometimes working smarter, not harder, and actually using those vacation days is exactly what we need for our families and ourselves.
The Labor Day Reality
Labor Day was created to honor workers and their contributions, but it’s also a reminder that rest is just as important as work. With back-to-school season in full swing and fall routines ramping up, this holiday weekend is the perfect time to reset and find that sweet spot between productivity and self-care.
Here’s a thought: Use this Labor Day weekend to actually rest. Put down the phone, skip the work emails, and maybe even leave that pile of laundry for Tuesday. Your family (and your sanity) will thank you!
By the Numbers: The Complete Rankings
Top 10 Hardest-Working States:
- North Dakota
- Alaska
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Hawaii
- Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Wyoming
- Maryland
- Nebraska
Bottom 10 (Most Work-Life Balance?): 41. Oregon 42. Illinois 43. New Mexico 44. Ohio 45. California 46. New York 47. Nevada 48. Rhode Island 49. West Virginia 50. Michigan
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re grinding away in North Dakota or taking it easier in Michigan, what matters most is finding a pace that works for you and your family. This Labor Day, let’s celebrate not just our work ethic, but our ability to know when to step back and recharge.
After all, balance is key – especially when you’re managing work alongside everything else life throws your way!
What do you think, Froggy listeners? Are you surprised by these rankings? Let us know on our Facebook page how you’re spending your Labor Day weekend!
Sources: WalletHub’s 2025 Hardest-Working States Study, World Economic Forum labor statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Stay tuned to Froggy 102.7 for more stories that matter to working families in Indiana. We’re here for you from morning coffee to evening carpool!
