Louisiana Named One of Worst States for Remote Workers

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Louisiana is generally a hard working state. A good chunk of the population works in the blue collar sector. So, when we hear about remote work, we typically associate it with bigger cities in bigger states. It doesn't mean we don't have our fair share of white collar jobs.

During the COVID pandemic, the way we go to and do our work changed dramatically for some. Many were temporarily laid off, some were given adjusted hours, several work spaces were modified to accommodate social distancing, and for those who were able, remote work became the standard.

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Remote work isn't faring to well for the people of Louisiana, according to a new survey. The Pelican State's just been ranked the 9th worst state in the country for remote workers. That's according to energy experts ElectricityRates' latest report on record-setting power outages in the age of remote work. Data was gathered & analyzed from the FEMA National Risk Index, energy.gov, and the EIA in conjunction with Pew Research Center & WFH Research data to unveil the best and worst states for remote workers based on power outages & earning potential.

Some key takeaways: 

• The average remote worker salary in LA is $48,777.
• There are 2.5 average annual power outages.
• 22 million employed adults in this country work remotely full time.
• 98% of workers desire to work remotely at least some of the time.

States with More Outages: Power outages persist as a challenge, with some states facing more outages or longer interruptions. Among these states, Maine, Alaska and Louisiana stand out for their frequent outages, while Louisiana, Maine and West Virginia endure the longest durations.

Impact on Remote Work: The interest in remote work continues to rise, yet challenges persist amidst power disruptions. States with reliable electricity infrastructure, like the District of Columbia and Nebraska, may offer better remote work conditions compared to those with persistent outages.

Geographical Disparities in Remote Work Opportunities: The District of Columbia and Nebraska boast the lowest occurrence and shortest duration of power outages, enhancing remote work opportunities.

Policy and Investment Implications: Targeted policies and investments are crucial to address outage challenges and support remote work growth. By studying the practices of top-performing states like the District of Columbia and Nebraska, other regions can improve their electricity distribution systems while minimizing disruptions.

You can view the complete report here.