Even though more companies are returning to the office, employees still prefer working from home.
Recent research from MicrosoftThe survey of 31,102 workers in 31 countries found that 52% of respondents are considering switching to a remote or hybrid job.
A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggests that some places are more suitable for remote and flexible work than others. WalletHubThe following identifies the best states for working from home.
To compile the list, the personal financial website compared 50 US states and the District of Columbia on two key dimensions: Living environment and work environment.
Twelve metrics were used, including internet price, cybersecurity, average home size, share of detached housing units and share of cybercrime. The metrics were weighted differently. The weighted average of all metrics across each state was used to calculate the overall score.
According to WalletHub, here are the 10 best states to work from home.
1. New Jersey
Score total: 66.75
Ranking of the work environment 5
Living environment ranking 11
2. District of Columbia
Total score: 64.29
Ranking of work environment: 1
Living environment ranking 50
3. Delaware
Total score: 64.03
Ranking of the work environment 2
Living environment ranking 38
4. Connecticut
Total score: 62.18
Ranking of the work environment 12
Ranking of living environment: 24
5. Massachusetts
Total score: 61.87
Ranking of the work environment 3
Living environment ranking 44
6. Utah
Score total: 61.87
Ranking of the work environment 6
Living environment ranking 27
7. Texas
Total score: 61.59
Ranking of the work environment 15
Living environment ranking 1
8. Washington
Total score: 61.57
Ranking of the work environment 11
Ranking of living environment: 19
9. Maryland
Total score: 61.48
Ranking of the work environment 4
Living environment ranking 41
10. New York
Total score: 61.11
Ranking of the work environment 22
Living environment ranking 5
WalletHub also identified the 10 worst states to work from home in its report. Alaska, Mississippi, Montana and North Dakota topped the list. Oklahoma, Wyoming, Hawaii and New Mexico followed.
The northeast ranked higher than the rest because these states offer more remote jobs, have stronger Internet access, and cybersecurity to better support telecommuters. Jill Gonzalez (a communications director at WalletHub), tells WalletHub that the northeast ranked higher. CNBC Make It.
New Jersey was the No. New Jersey claimed the No. 1 spot due to its close proximity New York City, which offers numerous remote and hybrid jobs opportunities along with its large volume of detached housing units.
Gonzalez states that there are fewer people living in apartments with thin walls and smaller apartments than in larger cities. “Having a larger home and more outside space makes a big difference in well-being, and just makes it a little easier to work from home.”
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