Upper Midwest states rank at top of hardest-working in America

All of our upper Midwest states ranked at the top of a recent WalletHub study listing “2021's Hardest-Working States in America.” Top-20 finishers included North Dakota (ranked no. 2), Nebraska (3), South Dakota (4), Minnesota (16), and Iowa (19). The study looked at direct work factors (average workweek hours, employment rate, share of households where no adults work, share of workers leaving vacation time unused, share of engaged/involved workers, idle youth) and indirect factors (average commute time, share of workers with multiple jobs, annual volunteer hours per resident, average leisure time spent per day).

The study confirms what we already knew: Hard work leads to success, and Midwesterners understand and embrace the concept! It also shows, however, employers need to acknowledge the special effort and take care of their valued employees. Here are some ways to do so.

Minimum wage and overtime requirements

Ensure employees are paid in compliance with state and federal minimum wage and overtime requirements. If nonexempt employees work more 40 hours in a regular workweek, they're entitled to overtime pay. Regardless of whether the extra hours were authorized in advance, they must be compensated for any overtime actually worked. They should understand the expectations for overtime work, including the requirement and/or the need to gain previous authorization.