BambooHR has released a new workplace study revealing stark differences in employee happiness across the United States, with sentiment scores varying by nearly 40 points from state to state. Titled America’s Morale Map: How Happiness Scores Unveil Hidden Labor Risks, the report highlights how traditional workforce indicators such as turnover can mask deeper challenges tied to engagement and wellbeing.
Drawing on employee Net Promoter Score® (eNPS) data collected throughout 2025 on the BambooHR platform, the analysis shows average happiness scores ranging from the low 20s to the low 60s, with a national average of 43. While an eNPS above 20 is considered favorable and above 50 excellent, the findings suggest that low turnover alone does not necessarily signal a healthy workforce.
“Low turnover can look like stability on the surface, but in many states it may be masking disengagement,” said Jonathan Vaas, Chief Legal Officer and Head of HR of BambooHR. “Our data shows that when employees stay because they feel stuck versus fulfilled, organizations face a hidden risk of quiet quitting and burnout. Leaders need to look beyond churn to understand how their people are feeling.”
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The report challenges common assumptions about what drives employee satisfaction. Geography, income levels, political leanings, and dominant industries showed little correlation with happiness. Rhode Island had the highest eNPS at 63. In contrast, New Hampshire scored the lowest at 24. This shows that being close doesn’t always mean having similar morale.
BambooHR found four labor-market patterns by comparing satisfaction with turnover:
“Ideal stability” (high satisfaction, low turnover)
“Healthy dynamism” (high satisfaction, high turnover)
“Acute attrition” (low satisfaction, high turnover)
“Hidden risk” (low satisfaction, low turnover)
The last category includes major markets like New York, California, and Connecticut. It’s the biggest concern because limited mobility can trap unhappy employees.
Employers should adopt a more nuanced view of workforce health. Relying only on retention metrics may mask disengagement. This can hurt productivity, culture, and long-term performance. The report highlights the importance of understanding employee feelings and their reasons for staying. This knowledge helps create a strong and motivated workforce.
