Kansans in top 10 for hardest workers, low leisure time

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A WalletHub report found Kansas was one of the hardest-working states in the U.S.

According to the report, Kansas ranked 10th in the U.S. for hardest workers. To find the hardest-working states, WalletHub used ten metrics including average workweek hours, employment rate, share of household workers, commute times, workers with different jobs and more.

While Kansas ranked as one of the top hardest-working states, leisure time took a hit. According to the report, Kansas ranked 47th for leisure time spent per day.

“It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work, with people working longer hours than residents of other developed countries and often leaving vacation time on the table," WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe said. "Working hard is commendable, but people in the hardest-working states may need to consider taking a break once in a while, as a lack of leisure time can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health.”

Across the nation, North Dakota ranked as the hardest-working state in part due to having the highest employment rate in the country at more than 98%. On the other end, WalletHub placed West Virginia in the bottom slot for hardest-working states.

One state over, Nebraska ranked third for hard-working states. The state was ranked highly because of the large percentage of residents holding multiple jobs. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the national rate for those holding multiple jobs has steadily increased since May, 2020.

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