#BambooHR #Employee Happiness #Morale Map

America's Morale Map: Understanding Employee Happiness in the U.S.

BambooHR®, a leader in the HR technology sector, has recently released a report titled "America's Morale Map," which shines a light on employee happiness across various states in the United States. This groundbreaking study uncovers a staggering 40-point gap in happiness levels among employees, raising critical concerns for employers about disengagement and retention. As organizations aim to cultivate a positive workplace culture, understanding the nuances of employee morale becomes essential.

Insights from the Employee Happiness Report

The report is based on employee Net Promoter Score® (eNPS) data collected throughout 2025, showcasing a detailed analysis of worker sentiment across the nation. The average eNPS scores ranged dramatically, from the low 20s to low 60s, indicating a significant variance in employee satisfaction levels. The national average eNPS during this period stood at 43, emphasizing the need for organizations to evaluate their approaches to workforce engagement.

An eNPS score serves as a barometer for employee sentiment, offering insights into overall workplace morale. Scores above 20 are deemed favorable, while anything above 50 is classified as excellent. Surprisingly, Rhode Island emerged as the state with the most content employees, boasting an impressive eNPS of 63. In stark contrast, New Hampshire registered the lowest score at 24, dispelling the notion that geographical location plays a decisive role in employee happiness.

Factors Beyond Geography: A Complex Interplay

Interestingly, the BambooHR study found that factors such as income, political affiliation, or industry type did not consistently predict employee happiness. High-scoring and low-scoring states cut across historical political lines and economic brackets, suggesting that there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for employee satisfaction.

Another noteworthy finding of the report identified a concerning category of