Top 20 US Cities for Mental Health-Friendly Workplaces

Today’s workforce is experiencing a significant decline in mental wellness, a trend that has intensified since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to Mind Share’s 2021 Mental Health at Work Report, a staggering 76% of employees reported symptoms of mental illness—a notable 17% increase from 2019. Moreover, 84% of workers indicated that their workplace environment, including emotionally taxing tasks and inadequate work-life balance, has adversely impacted their mental health.

As a result, a growing number of job seekers are placing mental well-being at the forefront of their job searches. The 2022 Work and Well-being Survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that a significant 81% of candidates are now actively looking for employers who promote mental health through diverse initiatives.

The most desired workplace benefits highlighted by employees included flexible work hours, a culture that values time off, options for remote work, and the possibility of a 4-day work week.

Our research team has pinpointed the top 20 cities in the U.S. that promote mental health in the workplace. We analyzed data from the 200 largest cities, focusing on three crucial factors: work benefits, quality of life, and economic security. These indicators play a significant role in enhancing mental wellness across the nation.

Curious about where employees are heading in their pursuit of a better work-life balance? Dive into the findings of our study below to discover the trends shaping their choices.

Key findings

• Frisco, Texas, is the top US city for overall mental health, boasting an index score of 69.5 out of 100.
• The best US city to work in for employee benefits is Fullerton, California, with an index score of 37.8 out of 50.
• Top US Cities for Quality of Life: Alexandria, Virginia, and Frisco, Texas, each boast an impressive index score of 20.3 out of 25.
• San Jose, California, ranks as the top U.S. city for economic welfare, boasting an index score of 18.33 out of 25.

20 best US cities to work in for mental health

After assessing employment benefits, quality of life, and economic security across major U.S. cities, we determined that Frisco, Texas, stands out as the top destination for promoting employees’ overall mental well-being. Notably home to the Dallas Cowboys’ training facility, Frisco excelled by ranking 1st in quality of life and 5th in work benefits.

The top five positions are held by cities in Southern California: Irvine, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and Pasadena. Pasadena climbed to 5th place thanks to its strong economic welfare, while the other cities secured their spots by excelling as the three highest-ranked locations for employment benefits.

The West takes the lead in the rankings, boasting 15 cities from California and Washington. The South follows with three notable cities: Alexandria, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the Midwest and Southwest are represented by a single city each—Naperville, Illinois, and Frisco, Texas, respectively. Curiously, not a single city from the Northeast made it into the top 20 rankings.

20 best US cities to work in for employee benefits

For those seeking exceptional benefits from their employers, Fullerton, California, stands out as a prime destination. This city ranks among the top in the U.S. for remote job opportunities and boasts the third-lowest average commute time, with a round-trip of just 54.2 minutes. As a result, many workers in Fullerton benefit from the flexibility of remote work and enjoy a hassle-free commute, enhancing their overall work-life balance.

Huntington Beach, Irvine, and Santa Clarita are three standout cities in Southern California that, alongside one another, rank among the top four for remote work. These cities boast a significant number of remote workers and offer short average commute times, typically between 54 to 58 minutes for a round trip. Additionally, all California cities in this ranking benefit from competitive overtime pay, which is mandated by the state and ranges from $21.00 to $22.50 per hour.

Frisco, Texas, is a hub for remote work, ranking 3rd in the nation for the most remote jobs available. Beyond its impressive remote work opportunities, Frisco stands out as one of the top 5 cities in the U.S. for employee benefits. This is largely due to its exceptional offerings, including an average of 17 paid holidays and a remarkably short round-trip commute of just 53 minutes.

20 best US cities to work in for quality of life

Many employees prioritize the quality of life a city offers to enhance their mental well-being. In this regard, Alexandria, Virginia, stands out as one of the top cities to work in the United States.

Alexandria stands out as the 2nd least polluted city in the country and boasts the 4th lowest average childcare costs at $14,063 per year, along with affordable transportation expenses averaging just $60.50 a month. These factors significantly reduce stress for its workforce, making it an appealing place to live and work.

Frisco, Texas, stands out as one of the top cities for work-life quality, thanks to its affordable living expenses. Among major U.S. cities, Frisco boasts the lowest average monthly cost of living at just $1,945, along with the most economical transportation costs at only $55.30 per month. Additionally, it ranks second for affordable childcare, with an average annual cost of $9,324.

Atlanta, Georgia, proudly claims the silver medal for quality of life, thanks to its outstanding air quality and the lowest average childcare costs, which stand at just $8,520 per year. Additionally, the city boasts the fourth lowest average living expenses in the nation, averaging $2,134 per month.

In conclusion, Naperville, Illinois, and Orange, California, round out the top five cities noted for their exceptional quality of life. Naperville stands out with the third lowest average cost of living at just $2,101 per month and ranks third for affordable childcare, averaging $13,802 per year.

In a surprising twist, Orange has outpaced Naperville in terms of affordability, landing in 2nd place with an average monthly living cost of $1,961. Additionally, it secured the 2nd spot for the most budget-friendly transportation expenses, averaging just $57.40 per month.

20 best US cities to work in for economic welfare

Financial wellness plays a crucial role in mental health, leading many employees to seek out communities with robust economies. For those prioritizing this aspect, San Jose, California, stands out as one of the top cities for employment in the United States. It boasts the highest average monthly salary at $7,852 after taxes and offers the second-largest pension plan in the country, averaging $34,693, making it an attractive choice for workers looking for stability and security.

Seattle, Washington, ranks second thanks to its impressive average monthly earnings of $7,689 and the fifth lowest healthcare costs in the nation. Beyond the iconic Space Needle, vibrant grunge music scene, and bustling Pike Place Market, the Emerald City boasts a thriving economy that makes it an enticing place to live and work.

Tied for the third spot are Alexandria, Virginia, and Oakland, California. Alexandria stands out as the third most affordable city for healthcare costs, while Oakland boasts the third highest average monthly income at $7,098, along with a generous state-sponsored retirement fund.

Completing the list is Pasadena, California, known for its substantial pension plan and boasting the fourth-highest average monthly salary at $6,762. However, for those prioritizing retirement investments, Washington, D.C. stands out among all California cities, featuring an impressive leading pension plan valued at $43,601.

The best US state to work in for mental health

Many external studies that evaluate the best states for mental health often adopt a narrower focus in their data collection. Typically, they examine only the current rates of mental illness among residents and the availability of mental health services and providers. This restricted perspective frequently places Massachusetts among the top five states for mental health care.

Through our thorough research, which considered factors like workplace conditions, quality of life, and economic stability, we identified a standout choice for the best U.S. state for mental health: California. Notably, among the 200 largest cities in the country, California boasts an impressive 13 cities in the top 20 rankings.

California stands out as the leading state in the U.S. for remote job opportunities, offering employees the chance to earn paid sick leave at an impressive rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. In addition to this benefit, workers enjoy generous pension plans, competitive salaries, and 11 paid holidays. This combination makes California an attractive destination for those who prioritize their overall mental well-being in the workplace.

Washington stands out as the only state with two cities on the list, featuring Bellevue and Seattle. With an average annual childcare cost of just $14,554, overtime pay of $21.74 per hour, and 10 paid holidays, the state offers an appealing work-life balance. Additionally, its affordable healthcare and generous pension plans averaging $29,541 contribute to its reputation. No wonder Washington was recognized as the top state for mental health in 2021!

How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rethink ways of working in the US?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted employees' mental well-being, a trend well-documented since its onset in 2020. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 40% of workers in the U.S. reported an increase in mental distress as a direct result of the health crisis.

As employees grappled with heightened mental health challenges, the pandemic lockdowns and the shift to remote work prompted many to reassess their careers and job roles. According to Gartner research, this period of reflection led to a significant change in expectations, with 50% of workers redefining what they seek from their employers.

As employees reassessed their values and priorities, an extraordinary wave of resignations swept across the globe, a phenomenon now known as the Great Resignation. A key factor fueling this mass exodus was a growing focus on mental health, prompting individuals to seek better work-life balance and healthier environments.

A recent study by Mind Share found that in 2021, a significant 50% of employees left their jobs due to mental health issues, marking a 16% increase since 2019. The impact was even more pronounced among younger workers, with 68% of Millennials and a striking 81% of Gen Z individuals resigning for mental health reasons.

Job seekers are re-entering the labor market with a keen focus on finding employers who prioritize their mental well-being. According to LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Talent Trends report, employees now expect companies to enhance their commitment to mental health by offering not only higher salaries but also improved work-life balance and greater workplace flexibility—benefits that became increasingly valued during the pandemic.

In light of recent challenges, employers are increasingly adapting their corporate strategies to include mental health benefits, such as therapy and yoga, to attract and keep top talent during the Great Rehire. According to SHRM's 2022 Workplace Report, a significant 86% of HR professionals agree that providing mental wellness resources enhances employee retention. Furthermore, 53% of workers indicated they would leave their current jobs for positions that offer superior mental health benefits.

Considering these factors, it's evident that the pandemic has profoundly impacted workers' mental health and reshaped their priorities, leading to lasting changes in the hiring landscape. To remain competitive in today's labor market, companies must proactively and innovatively address these emerging workforce demands, prioritizing mental wellness for their employees.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, various factors influence employees’ mental health, including work benefits, quality of life, and economic stability. While employers may not have control over every aspect—such as air quality or living costs—they can make a significant difference through company-wide policies and perks. For example, offering corporate English training or enrolling employees in business English courses can help address mental health challenges both at work and beyond.

Methodology:

We analyzed 13 key mental health indicators across the 200 most populous cities in the United States. These indicators were grouped into three categories:

1. **Quality of Life** - which includes factors such as cost of living, transportation expenses, childcare costs, and pollution levels.
2. **Work Benefits** - covering state rankings for remote job opportunities, paid holidays, average commute times, overtime pay, the percentage of remote workers, and paid sick leave.
3. **Economics** - focusing on average salaries, pension plans, and healthcare costs.

By examining these data points, we aimed to better understand the mental health landscape across different urban environments.

We assigned weights to each key indicator according to the significance of their data points, resulting in a comprehensive index score between 0 and 100. This score allowed us to rank cities from highest to lowest, ultimately revealing the "20 Best US Cities to Work in for Mental Health."