A new study reveals that Houston workers clock more hours than nearly every other city in the United States, behind only Washington, D.C. While some Houston residents may take pride in this finding, working so much can expose these individuals to potential health risks.
About the Study
Mobile technology company Kisi conducted a study on work-life balance to determine which cities offered the best balance to residents. Researchers studied various factors to rank cities, including:
- Work intensity
- Institutional support
- Legislation
- Livability
- Commuting time
- Hours worked
In all, researchers analyzed 40 cities in the United States using 20 different factors. They then completed a global ranking that involved 17 U.S. cities and 23 international cities to rank the U.S. to the global framework.
Study Findings
Researchers ranked Houston fourth lowest in work-life balance. Additionally, the city was ranked the second-most overworked city in the country. Notable findings include:
- 15% of Houston workers worked a minimum of 48 hours a week
- The average workweek in Houston is 43.7 hours a week
- Houston workers commuted an average of 30 minutes each way
- Houston ranked second worst for institutional and societal support
Factors that contributed to the low rankings in Houston include lack of access to mental health to LGBT and gender equality and poor healthcare.
Other cities in Texas also ranked low in the study, including Dallas at #32 and San Antonio at #31. Austin fared a little better, coming in at #38, but 15% of its workers worked 48 hours or more per week.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, San Diego, California was ranked highest for work-life balance in the United States. Helsinki, Finland captured the #1 spot for the world.
Dangers of Overworking
Overworking can bring about many negative health consequences. Texas workers are dying on the job at alarming rates. This may be partially attributed to overworking. If employers demand too many work hours, workers may be fatigued, which can cause them to have a lapse in judgment, fall asleep at dangerous times or have slower reaction times.
Overworking has been connected to myriad health problems, including:
- Sleep impairment
- Increased risk for heart problems
- Increased stress
- Increased possibility of developing memory problems or problems concentrating
- Increased risk of diabetes and stroke
- Decreased productivity
- Interference of healthy habits
- Increased dependence on alcohol
- Mental health problems
- Back and neck problems
Legal Relief for Overworked Workers
Workers who are asked to work off the clock or who are injured at work may have legal options against their employer. An experienced employment or workers’ compensation lawyer can explain your legal rights and what relief may be available to you.
