Top 7+ US states where workers experience the worst burnout
Many have no choice but to work extra jobs to make ends meet. In fact, according to MarketWatch Guides, one in two Americans (51%) have worked a side hustle in the past year, and the rate among Gen Z is even higher (72%). But there are health risks that come from working more hours than you should - if you don't make the time to rest, your body and mind will make the time for you. MattressNextDay has looked at the states with the highest levels of burnout- see where yours ranks (Picture: Getty)
What is burnout?
But what exactly is burnout? While not yet a recognised medical condition, burnout is definitely a word on everyone's lips. Defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress, symptoms according to the World Health Organisation include:
• Reduced professional efficacy
• Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job
• Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
It goes beyond simple tiredness, has a myriad of other symptoms that can harm your health and mental wellbeing, and can, in severe cases, take years to recover from. Usually, burnout will happen after prolonged periods of stress combined with neglecting personal needs. So which states see the highest rates of burnout? (Picture: Getty)
7. Florida
When you think of Florida, you might think of Disney World, beaches and vacations...but it's on the list for states you're most likely to experience burnout. Perhaps when you live in a getaway destination all year round, the shine might wear off! This state has a score of 53.91 on the burnout scale - coming in at number seven (Picture: Getty)
6. North Dakota
North Dakota is next on the list, coming in joint with Texas with 54.40 on the burnout scale. Based in the rural Midwest, this might be a state to avoid if you already find yourself maxing out your stress levels (Picture: Getty)
5. Texas
While Texas came joint with North Dakota, there's a reason why this state may be dealing with higher levels of burnout. Texas was joint second for most new entrepreneur activity (0.47%), tied with California. It makes sense that burnout may be more common when there are lots of new entrepreneurs starting up. According to MattressNextDay's report, Texan residents searched the term 'side hustles' 132,500 times over the course of a year - that''s a lot of new businesses! (Picture: Getty)
4. Tennessee
Tennessee is known for country music and sprawling natural spots, yet it comes in fourth place for states where people may be closer to burning out, with a score of 54.48. 19.2% of the population here were registered as having poor mental health due to work-related stress. Despite the beautiful natural surroundings, taking care of those stress levels is as important as ever
3. Arkansas
Arkansas is next up on the list at number three with a 55.33 score - despite being known for hot springs and mountains galore. However, despite the high burnout score, the state had a 0% positive sentiment towards the term “hustle culture”. So...at least they're aware of it! (Picture: Getty)
2. West Virginia
The second most burnt-out state in the USA, West Virginians not only work the third most weekly hours at an average of 35.5 hours a week, but also have the joint fourth highest mental health issues, with 20.7% of people experiencing low mental health due to work. It came in with a 61.80 score (Picture: Getty)
1. Louisiana
And finally, the most burnt-out state in the entire US is Louisiana, with a 62.11 score on the scale. Not only do citizens here work the most hours on average (at around 36.2 hours a week), but they also have a huge dislike of hustle culture, giving it a rating of zero. So if you like to live life in the slow lane, Louisiana might be a state to avoid! (Picture: Getty)
