As American workers increasingly prioritize work-life balance, Colorado is recognized as one of the leading states to achieve this harmony. The state ranks as the No. 2 best state in the U.S. for work-life balance, according to a recent analysis by B2B Reviews. Minnesota is ranked in the first position, and Wisconsin is ranked third overall.
The analysis reflects the growing importance of balancing personal and professional life, which is now seen as important as pay by many workers, according to a study by global talent firm Randstad. But work-life balance is more than just a personal choice; it’s also linked to significant health and productivity benefits for employees and employers.
Achieving this balance often depends on where you live, as local conditions can impact your ability to maintain equilibrium. B2B Reviews evaluated states based on five primary criteria: commute times, average weekly hours worked, weekly pay, maternity leave policies, and depression rates.
Colorado’s No. 2 ranking is backed by solid performance in several key factors that make it easier for residents to balance their work and personal time. The state offers one of the country’s best paid maternity leave policies — 12 weeks of paid time off. This policy supports parents in balancing family and work, easing the transition back to work after having a child.
Additionally, Colorado ranks in the top 10 for the low average weekly hours worked, at just 33.3 hours, high average weekly earnings, at almost $1,260, and a high percentage of remote workers. Nearly 20% of the state’s workforce works remotely, the second-highest percentage in the country. This flexibility saves time and reduces commuting stress, enabling workers to spend more time on personal and family matters.
However, not all factors are favorable for Colorado. The state’s average commute time is 25.6 minutes, ranking 32nd overall. While not the worst, longer commutes can consume personal time and increase stress.
Here are Colorado’s statistics and how they compare to the rest of the U.S.:
Overall ranking: No. 2
Average hours worked per week: 33.3, 9th lowest
Average earnings per week: $1,258.74, 7th highest
Maternity leave: Yes, 12 weeks paid, among the highest
Percentage of remote workers: 19.9%, 2nd highest
Depression rates: 18.5%
Average commute time: 25.6 minutes, 32nd lowest
Overall weighted score: 71.7
As many companies are implementing return-to-office policies, the importance of work-life balance is even more significant. These mandates leave workers reassessing their priorities, with many valuing personal time as much as, if not more than, their paycheck.
In Randstad’s survey, 60% of respondents said their personal lives take precedence over their work lives, and for 57%, work-life balance was even more important than salary. Overall, work-life balance ranks as highly as pay on workers’ list of priorities, with both appearing in 93% of the lists.
These findings underscore the shift in workplace culture, where flexibility and personal well-being have become critical components of job satisfaction. As workers seek more balance, Colorado’s ability to support these priorities maintains the state’s desirability as a place to live and work.
Notably, a healthy work-life balance benefits not just employees but also employers. Studies show that a positive work-life balance results in healthier, more focused employees, which increases a company’s bottom line.
Online software platform TheHappinessIndex.com cites four significant benefits, including fewer health problems leading to healthier employees and fewer absences, more engaged employees, reduced workplace burnout, and increased mindfulness resulting in improved ability to concentrate on work tasks and increased productivity.
With Colorado ranking as one of the top states for work-life balance, policies supporting workers’ personal and professional well-being are essential. For more detailed information, read the complete articles at b2breviews.com/best-states-for-work-life-balance and randstad.com/workforce-insights/future-work/world-mental-health-day-prioritizing-well-being-workplace.
Tom Kalinski is the broker/owner of RE/MAX of Boulder, the local residential real estate company he established in 1977. He was inducted into Boulder County’s Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and has a 40-year background in commercial and residential real estate. For questions, e-mail Tom at [email protected], call 303.441.5620 or visit boulderco.com.
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Originally Published: November 1, 2024 at 10:01 AM MST
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