• Study carried out analyzing five-year census data.
• Montanans are working the hardest (compared to 5 years ago); Wyomingites least.
• Infographic showing hours worked by state over 5 years. 

A recent study of five-year census data (from 2017) by Mixbook, an #1 rated design platform for creating one-of-a-kind stories through photo books, has revealed that New Yorkers have decreased their working hours by 36.4 hours per year (from 38.5 hours per week to 37.8 hours). When compared nationally, Americans are working 3.5 hours less per year.

In fact, New Yorkers came in 48th position nationally in terms of the difference in hours worked over 5 years (1st position being the hardest working).

When broken down by states, it was found that Montanans have been hitting the grindstone harder than anyone else, with a 31.2-hour increase in annual work hours. Meanwhile, over in Wyoming and Hawaii, they've been doing the exact opposite. Laid-back Wyomingites and Hawaii residents have been kicking back, spending more time on personal interests and hobbies, and reducing their work hours by a significant 41.6 hours per year.

Infographic showing the number of increased working hours by state

When it comes to vacation time, Americans have far less vacation allowance than other countries (10 days, compared to a world average of 20), and they want more. A separate survey by Mixbook of 1,150 employees found that if they were given more vacation days to bring them up on par with the world average, half think they should be entitled to back pay for the 10 day shortfall. This would amount to approximately $5,775 over the past calendar year for the average employee. 

According to experts, maintaining a balance between work and leisure activities can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. “Taking time to be creative, engage in hobbies or leisure activities outside of work can help us recharge and reset, and allow us to return to work with renewed energy and focus,” says Kim Colucci, Culture and Growth Director at Mixbook.

So how can we help employees achieve a positive work-life balance and make time for hobbies and leisure activities? “In order to enable employees to achieve a positive work-life balance, employers must be flexible. Flexibility can be found in where and when employees work, how decisions are made, and more,” continued Colucci.  “At Mixbook, we encourage our team members to prioritize their time in a way that enables them to show up as their best selves. This means giving folks the flexibility to, for example, choose to schedule a creative or leisurely activity during the workday.”

Mixbook’s survey also uncovered other interesting findings when it comes to achieving an optimum work/life balance:

• 62% think workers should be guaranteed a company retreat or trip each year. 
• Two in three say employers should be forced to ensure employees take state holidays off work (most of which are currently normal working days).
• 80% say employers should allow 1 or 2 paid days off for employees getting married without taking up vacation allowance.
• Finally, 67% of managers believe a duvet day would help worker’s productivity (a day off from work that an employee can take without prior notice, typically for the purpose of resting, recharging, and focusing on their mental and emotional well-being).