Fresno Ranked Among Nation’s Most “Laid-Back” Cities: Implications for Remote Work and Productivity
New York, NY – March 24, 2025 – In a recent study by WalletHub, Fresno, California, has been identified as one of the least hardest-working cities in the United States, sparking a conversation about work-life balance and productivity, particularly in the context of remote work.
The personal finance website’s 2025 ranking of the “Hardest-Working Cities in America” placed Fresno at a surprising No. 108 out of 116 large cities. This ranking was determined by analyzing key metrics such as average workweek hours, commute lengths, employment rates, and the prevalence of multiple job holders.
Key Findings for Fresno:
- Average Workweek: Fresno residents work an average of 37.8 hours per week, slightly above the national average of 34.1 hours reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Commute Time: The average commute in Fresno is 22.3 minutes, suggesting a less demanding commute compared to some larger metropolitan areas.
- Multiple Job Holders: Only 4.4% of Fresno residents hold multiple jobs, lower than the national average of 5.3%.
- Households with No Working Adults: A significant 25.9% of Fresno households report having no working adults.
- Leisure Time: Residents enjoy an average of 5.68 hours per day of sports and leisure, exceeding the national average of five hours.
- Unemployment Rate: Fresno has an unemployment rate of 8.6%, higher than the national average.
What This Means for Remote Work and Productivity:
While the study highlights Fresno’s “laid-back” work culture, it also raises important questions for those in the remote work sector. The data suggests that:
- Work-Life Balance: Fresno residents appear to prioritize leisure and potentially have a better work-life balance. This is a crucial aspect of remote work discussions, where burnout is a significant concern.
- Productivity vs. Hours: The study prompts reflection on whether longer hours necessarily equate to higher productivity. In a remote work setting, where output is often measured by results rather than time spent, this is particularly relevant.
- Economic Factors: The high percentage of households with no working adults could indicate underlying economic challenges in the region, which may influence work participation and hours.
- Commute Impact: The shorter commute times in Fresno may contribute to a less stressful work experience, which can be a significant advantage in remote work setups where the daily commute is eliminated.
Broader Implications:
The WalletHub study also revealed that cities like Anchorage, Washington D.C., and Irving, Texas, are among the hardest-working in the U.S., while cities like Baton Rouge, Columbia, and Detroit are among the least hardest-working.
It’s important for people to figure out how to work hard without overworking,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, emphasizing the importance of balancing productivity with well-being.
For WorkInVirtual.com readers, this data underscores the need to create sustainable remote work environments that prioritize both productivity and employee well-being. As the future of work continues to evolve, understanding regional work patterns and their implications is crucial for building successful and healthy remote teams.
Methodology:
WalletHub’s findings were based on 11 key metrics from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Gallup.
This study provokes discussion on what it truly means to be a “hard-working” city, and how those metrics translate to the ever growing virtual workforce.
