Which states work the hardest in America?

For centuries, the American dream has been synonymous with tireless effort, the belief that hard work is the ultimate path to prosperity. Today, that spirit endures, often at a personal cost. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the average American clocks 1,805 work hours per year, surpassing Germans by 470 hours, yet still trailing Colombians by 447. Even when opportunities for rest arise, many Americans decline them. The US Travel Association (2023) found that 33% of paid vacation time went unused, reflecting not leisure aversion but a deeper cultural anxiety. Employees fear that stepping away from their desks could be mistaken for complacency or invite job insecurity. Others worry about disrupted workflows or the avalanche of work awaiting their return. The financial an