Less Work, More Life? Study reveals that Alaska employees work less than they did 5 years ago.

In a recent study analyzing 5-year census data by Mixbook, along with a study of 1,150 participants, Alaskans were found to have decreased their working hours by 20.8 hours per year. When compared nationally, Americans are working 3.5 hours less per year. In fact, Alaskans came in 46th nationally in terms of the difference in hours worked over 5 years.

Perhaps Alaskans are better at getting more done in less time.

Which state has been keeping their nose to the grindstone? The survey results show that Montana is at the top of the list, 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.

When it comes to vacation time, Americans have far less vacation allowance than other countries-10 days, compared to the rest of the world, which averages 20 vacation days-and they want more. In a separate survey by Mixbook, 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.

Work-life balance and working hours are important aspects of American work culture. Americans work longer hours per week than most other developed countries, with the average workweek being around 40 hours. However, there is a growing trend towards flexible work arrangements and remote work, with more and more companies offering their employees the ability to work from home or to set their own schedules.

Despite this trend, studies have shown that many Americans still struggle to achieve a good work-life balance, with factors such as long commutes and job demands making it difficult to find time for leisure activities, hobbies, and family time. In fact, a recent study found that 52% of American workers reported feeling burned out at their jobs, with many citing long working hours and a lack of support from their employers.

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 employers help employees achieve a positive work-life balance and let them have time for things such as 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.

“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.

2 in 3 say employers should ensure employees take state holidays off work. For most, these are normal work 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 “duvet day,” sometimes known as a mental health day, is a day off from work that an employee is able to take without prior notice, for the purpose of taking care of one's mental and emotional well-being. It's a day to recharge and focus on self-care, without the pressures and stresses of work or other responsibilities.

There are several reasons why people have reduced their working hours over the past 5 years. One major factor is the rise of flexible work arrangements, which allow employees to work from home or choose their own hours.

After the COVID pandemic, many workers have also become more focused on achieving a better work-life balance, recognizing the importance of downtime and personal well-being. Additionally, labor market trends and policy changes have led to an overall reduction in working hours in some industries, as employers strive to retain talent and improve employee satisfaction.