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    Step away from the desk

    Houston clocks in as No. 2 most overworked city in the nation

    Johnathan Silver
    Aug 12, 2019 | 9:20 am
    Downtown Houston skyline
    Only D.C. is more overworked than Houston.
    Photo by Shobeir Ansari, Getty Images

    A new study on work-life balance proves Houstonians work harder than almost anyone else in the country.

    Mobile technology company Kisi set out to determine which major U.S. cities offer the best work-life balance, and which ones could use an adjustment, by examining work intensity, society and institutions, and livability. Overall, the Bayou City ranks fourth-worst for work-life balance (No. 37 out of 40), but even more sobering is how overworked our residents are.

    According to the study, Houston is the second-most overworked city in the nation, behind only Washington, D.C. Fifteen percent of Houston workers work at least 48 hours a week, the highest figure in the study, and, on average, the Houston workforce stays on the clock 43.7 hours a week. While local workers arrive at work later than most Americans (9:56 am), they are on the road much earlier, commuting about 30 minutes just one way, the study says.

    The Bayou City also falls to the bottom of the list — No. 39 — for institutional and societal support. Houston ranks low across the board, from healthcare and access to mental health to LGBT and gender equality.

    Houston redeems itself — somewhat — at No. 20 for livability, which takes into account overall happiness, safety, and access to wellness and leisure. This allowed Kisi to determine "whether their residents can enjoy their environment after office hours," the study says.

    Houston is by far the most overworked market in Texas, but the Lone Star State could stand to improve its work-life balance. Dallas and San Antonio also rank in the bottom 10, Nos. 32 and 31, respectively, and while Austin comes in at No. 18 overall, 15 percent of its workers are on the clock 48 hours or more a week, too.

    Those who want to "work smarter rather than harder," says Kisi, should consider San Diego, California, which boasts the best work-life balance in the nation. Globally, that honor goes to Helsinki, Finland, which scores a perfect 100 in the report.

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    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Where to order Thanksgiving to-go in Houston and more popular stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Nov 15, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Picture of turkey and several sides, including mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and rolls.
    Photo by Kayla Enright
    Whiskey Cake's Holiday Meal Kit serves five and includes turkey and all the trimmings for $100.

    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, beginning with a guide to Thanksgiving meals to-go. Plus, several hot restaurants head to The Woodlands. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

    1. More than 20 Houston restaurants serving Thanksgiving feasts to-go. We've rounded up more than 20 local restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals to-go. Whether it's just gravy and rolls or a whole feast, these options will decrease stress by adding convenience.

    2. River Oaks Italian spot claims shuttered Woodlands steakhouse for new location. Another inner loop dining favorite has set its sights on The Woodlands. Bari Ristorante will open its second location in the booming suburb’s popular Waterway section.

    3. Health-conscious Houston sports bar sets Woodlands opening date. A Houston sports bar known for its carefully crafted food will soon opens its doors. On the Kirb will make its debut this Saturday, November 15.

    4. Houston restaurant veteran fires up pizzas and steaks in Garden Oaks. An experienced Houston restaurateur is bringing a new concept to Garden Oaks. When it opens in November, Lazy Lane will be the newest project from Heights & Co. owner Brian Doke.

    Lazy Lane restaurant food spread Lazy Lane will serve pastas, small plates, and steaks. Photo by Brian Kennedy

    5. Houston falls out of top 50 'World's Best Cities' rankings for 2026. Houston is no longer one of the top 50 best cities in the world, according to a prestigious annual report. The newest "World's Best Cities" list dropped Houston from No. 40 last year to No. 58 for 2026.

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