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Michigan lands last in national work-ethic study amid concerns over unemployment and low engagement
In the 2025 “Hardest Working State” study by WalletHub, Michigan finished in 50th place, earning a total score of 29.35 and ranking last in several direct work factors. The report, published Aug. 25, judged each state on 10 metrics including average weekly work hours, employment rate, unused vacation time, multiple-job share, and leisure time.
Michigan trails in core employment measures and work hours
Michigan’s 50th ranking indicates severe underperformance across key labor indicators. In direct work factors—metrics weighted more heavily—the state performed worst in average workweek hours, share of households with no adults working, and employee engagement. The state’s low employment rate also contributed significantly to its bottom standing.
Nationally, the average American works 1,805 hours per year, according to the World Economic Forum—a baseline the WalletHub study references to contextualize state-by-state outputs. Many Americans leave about 33 percent of paid time off unused, a statistic the WalletHub authors note reflects cultural pressure to avoid rest.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo is quoted in the release saying, “It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work … 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.”
North Dakota, Alaska top the list
At the opposite end of the spectrum, North Dakota clinched the top spot, with a total score of 66.17—ranking first in direct factors but only 33rd in indirect ones. Alaska followed in second, leading for highest average workweek hours (41.6) and strong performance in multiple-job share. South Dakota, Texas, and Hawaii rounded out the top five.
In reporting on the study, Business Insider noted Michigan’s low ranking stems from poor performance in direct work factors such as low engagement and minimal work hours.
Michigan’s bottom ranking raises alarm bells
For Michigan, finishing last is a symbolic negative, but it may reflect deeper structural challenges. Lower work hours may stem from underemployment or discouraged labor force participation. The state’s historically heavy reliance on manufacturing jobs, automation pressures, and demographic shifts could also contribute. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan’s unemployment rate in 2024 hovered around 4.8 percent.
In contrast, rising national attention to work culture suggests Michigan’s issues go beyond economy. Experts who review such rankings often emphasize that worker engagement and job quality are as important as hours worked. A stressed workforce forced by economic need to take multiple jobs may rank high in “hard-working” assessments yet suffer health and well-being fallout.
Why this study matters to Michigan readers
Michigan’s last-place ranking may attract pushback from local leaders defending the state’s strengths in sectors like automotive, technology, and renewable energy. Indeed, Michigan recently landed among the top 10 states for business friendliness, ranking No. 6 in CNBC’s 2025 ranking. That contrast—low work metrics vs. improving business climate—raises questions about whether Michigan is failing to convert economic growth into meaningful job engagement.
For readers in Michigan’s Thumb region or across the state, the ranking fuels two questions: How can Michigan boost employment and worker enthusiasm? And how should policymakers respond to a narrative that the state is the country’s least “hard-working”?
Being The Hardest Working State Means What?
This WalletHub ranking echoes debates about work-life balance, labor force participation, and job quality. The sharp contrast between Michigan’s standing and states topping the list underscores regional variation in economic conditions and culture.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s improved business ranking suggests momentum—but translating that into workforce vitality remains a challenge.
Additional reading:
Michigan ranked among top states to do business in by CNBC (2025)
Business Insider analysis of hardest-working states
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