The Most and (Least) Stressful States for Male Employees in 2024

Ahead of 2024’s Men's Health Week, DesignRush just released their new study featuring the most and least stressful states for male employees in the U.S. to address the reality of working environments inducing stress levels.  

A recent survey by the American Heart Association and Nielsen reported that while 75% of respondents consider themselves in good or very good health, almost 50% also suffer from chronic illnesses. This isn't just a health issue; it's an economic one, too.  

Agency directly, DesignRush has analyzed how work conditions, well-being factors, and healthcare access contribute to male employee stress in 2024. We examined key metrics such as average work hours, earnings, productivity, healthcare costs and access, sleep scores, commute times, and paid time off. These indicators were grouped into three categories: employee productivity, health costs, and well-being. The data was then normalized to give each state a final stress score. 

The findings highlight Mississippi and Alabama as the states with the highest levels of stress for male employees. In Mississippi, long work hours, low earnings, high healthcare costs, and the absence of paid time off contribute to high-stress levels. Similarly, Alabama's male employees face long work hours, moderate earnings, and insufficient healthcare access, further inducing their stress. 

Colorado has the least-stressed male employees in America, ideal work hours, high weekly earnings, and excellent sleep scores.  

The data indicates that male employees in the South experience the highest stress levels compared to their counterparts in the North and West. This highlights the urgent need for improved workplace policies to promote healthier, less stressful working environments, especially in high-stress states. 

Explore how male employees in your state manage stress and see if there's a need for change. Remember, managing stress today is crucial for a healthier tomorrow. 

Key Findings 

• Mississippi male employees have the highest stress levels, reflecting high work hours, low wage, and high healthcare costs, combined with zero PTO 
• Alabama and West Virginia also rank high on the stress scale due to long work hours, insufficient healthcare access, and minimal earnings 
• New York, New Jersey, and Maryland: Men face the longest commute times in these states, increasing daily stress 
• 20 States fail to provide PTO to their employees, earning the highest stress scores as workers struggle with higher healthcare costs, lower earnings, and poorer health metrics 
• Despite a reasonable PTO, Nevada is among the five most stressed states for male employees 
• Most of the highest-stressed states are in the South, including Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and Louisiana 
• Colorado male employees are thriving with the lowest stress level, thanks to balanced work hours, high weekly earnings, and highest sleep scores 
• Washington male employees earn the same as those in Colorado, but working two extra hours per week on average places Washington as the second least-stressed state 
• Eight of the top 10 least-stressed states are in the North or West, including Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts 

The High-Stress Zones for Male Employees in 2024 

These analyses highlight the significant challenges male employees face in the unhealthiest states.  

For men living in these states with lower rankings, it's essential to take proactive steps to improve their health. This includes adopting healthier lifestyles, utilizing preventive healthcare services, and advocating for workplace policies that promote better work-life balance. 

We grouped the metrics into three main categories: Productivity, Health Costs & Coverage, and Well-being. Each category was assigned a cumulative score, allowing us to determine how each state performed in each area clearly. 

1. Mississippi

• Stress Score: 63.15

In Mississippi, male employees face significant stress levels, impacting their overall health. They work 41.1 hours a week (2 hours more than average) and earn a weekly wage of $854.06, which translates to an annual income of $45,180, the lowest among the unhealthiest states. Healthcare costs them $511 monthly, and their sleep score stands at 77.77, indicating poor sleep quality. With a commute time of 27.67 minutes and no paid time off, their day-to-day life is quite stressful. 

2. West Virginia

• Stress Score: 65.59 
  

West Virginia’s male workforce struggles with high healthcare expenses and poor lifestyle habits. They work 40 hours weekly, earning $974.40, leading to an annual wage of $49,170. Monthly healthcare costs are high at $877. Their sleep score is 77.94, and only 56.06% of men have healthcare coverage. With an average commute time of 29.73 minutes and no paid time off, their health and well-being suffer significantly, leading to higher stress levels. 

3. Alabama

• Stress Score: 67.06 
  

In Alabama, men work hard, clocking in 41.6 hours per week and earning $992.99 weekly. This amounts to an annual wage of $50,620. However, monthly healthcare costs stand at $584, and their sleep score is low at 77.76. Their overall stress scores are adversely affected by healthcare coverage at 65.87% and a commute time of 27.1 minutes, combined with no paid time off. 

4. Louisiana

• Stress Score: 67.24 

Louisiana’s male employees work the most weekly hours, averaging 44.3 hours. They earn $1,189.01 weekly, leading to an annual wage of $50,940. The high monthly healthcare cost of $666 and a sleep score of 77.84 contribute to their low health score. With 65.95% of men having healthcare, a commute time of 28.12 minutes, and no paid time off, their overall well-being is clearly being compromised. 

5. Nevada

• Stress Score: 67.5 

Nevada is the only state among the most stressed states with a reasonable paid time off of 40 hours. However, male employees in this state work 39.7 hours per week, earning a low income of $902 weekly, which translates to an annual wage of $55,490. Monthly healthcare costs are $566, and only 65.9% have healthcare coverage. The sleep score is 77.14.  

6. Oklahoma

• Stress Score: 67.71 

Oklahoma’s male workforce faces health challenges, with 41.5 hours of work per week and low weekly earnings of $986.87. The annual wage is $50,940, while monthly healthcare costs are $596. Their sleep score of 78.25 and healthcare coverage of 61.94% highlight the need for improvement. Commute times average 23.82 minutes, and the lack of paid time off further impacts their health and well-being. 

7. Texas

• Stress Score: 67.92 

In Texas, men work far more, 43.5 hours per week, earning $1,248.89 weekly, which results in an annual wage of $57,300. Monthly healthcare costs are $584, and the sleep score is 77.61. With only 57.85% of men having healthcare coverage, long commute times of 28.64 minutes, and no paid time off, the well-being of male employees is negatively impacted, resulting in higher stress levels. 

8. Georgia

• Stress Score: 69.16 

Male employees in Georgia work 42 hours per week, three hours more than average, earning $997.50 weekly and an annual wage of $58,000. Monthly healthcare costs are relatively low at $509, but the sleep score is also low at 77.89. With healthcare coverage at 62.69% and a high commute time of 29.82 minutes, along with no paid time off, stress for Georgia male employees remains on the higher end. 

9. South Carolina

• Stress Score: 71.66 

South Carolina takes the ninth spot, with men working 38.2 hours per week and earning $953.09 weekly, leading to an annual wage of $50,650. Monthly healthcare costs are $541, and the sleep score is 78.25. Healthcare coverage stands at 66.54%. Commute times average 26.84 minutes, and there is no paid time off.

10. North Carolina

• Stress Score: 70.22 

The 10th most stressed state for male employees is North Carolina, where the average man works 40 hours per week, earning $882.40 weekly. The annual wage is $56,220, and monthly healthcare costs are $638. The sleep score is 78.44, and healthcare coverage is 65.92%. Commute times are 26.51 minutes on average, with no paid time off. 

The Low-Stress Zones for Male Employees in 2024 

We grouped the metrics into three main categories: Productivity, Health Costs & Coverage, and Well-being. Each category was assigned a cumulative score, allowing us to determine how each state performed in each area clearly. 

1. Colorado

• Stress Score: 86.91 

Colorado male employees, take a bow for excellent workplace stress management. Men work an average of 38.3 hours per week and earn $1,177 weekly, translating to an annual wage of $67,870. Colorado supports good health and rest with a moderate monthly healthcare cost of $535 and an excellent sleep score of 79.23. Commute times are relatively short at 26.6 minutes, and 48 hours of paid time off per year keep them relaxed. 

2. Washington

• Stress Score: 85.01 

Washington offers a good balance of work and health metrics. Men work 39.6 hours per week and earn $1,177 weekly, leading to an annual wage of $72,350. With relatively low monthly healthcare costs of $503, a sleep score of 78.7, and 52 hours (very high) of paid time off per year, Washington supports a low-stress workforce environment. 

3. Massachusetts

• Stress Score: 84.80 

Massachusetts comes in third, with men working 39.5 hours per week and earning $1,080 weekly. The annual wage is the highest among the top 10 states at $76,600, but monthly healthcare costs are also high at $639. The sleep score is solid at 78.76, and 75.7% of men have healthcare coverage. Commute times are longer at 30.09 minutes, and paid time off is 40 hours per year, balancing the higher work demands. 

4. New Hampshire

• Stress Score: 83.69 

New Hampshire offers a favorable environment for male employees, with an average of 36.9 work hours per week. Weekly earnings are $948, leading to an annual wage of $62,550. The state has the lowest monthly healthcare cost among the top states at $373. The sleep score is good at 78.79, and healthcare coverage is 75.2%. Commute time is 28.68 minutes, but there is no paid time off, which impacts the well-being score. 

5. Minnesota

• Stress Score: 83.40 

In Minnesota, men work 39.6 hours per week and earn $1,089 weekly, with an annual wage of $63,640. Monthly healthcare costs are moderate at $423. The sleep score is high at 78.76, and healthcare coverage is 71.2%. Commute time is the shortest among the top 10 states at only 24.24 minutes, and paid time off is 48 hours per year, supporting a balanced lifestyle and low-stress levels. 

6. Rhode Island

• Stress Score: 82.84 

Rhode Island remains a low-stress zone as men work 38.9 hours per week and earn $970 weekly, resulting in an annual wage of $64,530. Monthly healthcare costs are $455. The sleep score is 78.93, and 74% of men have healthcare. Commute time is 27.51 minutes, and paid time off is 40 hours per year. 

7. Oregon

• Stress Score: 81.70 

Oregon’s men are the seventh best at managing their stress levels nationwide, as they work 37.8 hours per week, earning $1,015 weekly. The annual wage is $62,680, with a higher monthly healthcare cost of $578. The sleep score is excellent at 79.04, and healthcare coverage is 71.5%. Commute time is short at 24.23 minutes, and paid time off is 40 hours per year. 

8. Connecticut

• Stress Score: 81.50 

In Connecticut, men work 39.8 hours per week, earning $1,159 weekly. The annual wage is $69,310, but healthcare costs are high at $665 per month. The sleep score is 78.6, with healthcare coverage at 71.7%. Commute time is 28.59 minutes, and paid time off is 40 hours per year. 

9. California

• Stress Score: 79.79 

Despite being the male workaholic nation, Californians are not too stressed. The men work 40.2 hours per week (one of the highest in the nation) and earn $1,137 weekly. The annual wage is $73,220, with high healthcare costs at $600 monthly. The sleep score is 78.18, and healthcare coverage is 69.2%. Commute time is 30.27 minutes, and paid time off is 40 hours per year. 

10. Maryland

• Stress Score: 78.83 

Maryland men work 39 hours per week and earn $1,002 weekly. The annual wage is $69,750, with a low monthly healthcare cost of $384. The sleep score is 77.59, and healthcare coverage is 69%. Commute time is 32.81 minutes, and paid time off is the highest at 64 hours per year, which supports a healthier work-life balance and lower stress levels. 

Conclusion 

The stress levels of male employees vary significantly across states, influenced by factors such as work hours, healthcare access, and economic stability. By highlighting these differences, we aim to inspire individuals and policymakers to act in creating healthier, more supportive work environments. Reducing stress is essential for long-term well-being—prioritize mental and physical health through informed lifestyle and healthcare choices. Remember, a balanced and fulfilling work life is key to a happier, healthier future. 

Methodology 

This methodology provides a comprehensive approach to compiling the index, ensuring that each metric is normalized and weighted appropriately and contributing to an overall stress score that reflects the health, work status, and well-being of male employees in the US. 

Data Collection 

• Hours Worked (10%): Average hours worked per week by production employees on manufacturing payrolls (Source: BLS). 
• Productivity (Weekly Wage/Hours Worked) (10%): Calculated using the same BLS data for average hours and earnings. 
• Annual Wage (15%): Average annual salary by state (Source: Forbes). 
• Healthcare Cost (15%): Average cost of health insurance by state (Source: ValuePenguin). 
• Men with Healthcare (15%): Percentage of men with healthcare coverage (Source: US Census Bureau). 
• Paid Time Off (3%): State laws and statistics on paid sick leave (Source: Paycor). 
• Sleep Score (20%): Sleep quality across different states (Source: SleepCycle). 
• Commute Time (2%): Average commute time by state (Source: US Census Bureau). 

Data Normalization 

• Convert all metrics to a standardized scale (50-100). 
• Each metric is normalized so that the minimum value is 50 and maximum values are 100. 

Weight Application 

Multiply each normalized metric score by its corresponding weight percentage. 

Final State Ranking 

• Rank states based on the final index scores, such as stress scores. 
• Higher stress scores indicate a call to action for a better working environment, healthcare costs and coverage, and well-being conditions for employees.