A new 2025 Shift Pulse Report reveals the unhappiest and happiest workers in America, with pharmacy staff ranking lowest in job satisfaction.
A Surprising Look at Job Happiness in the U.S.
Work can be rewarding—but for many Americans, it’s becoming emotionally draining. According to the 2025 Shift Pulse Report by Deputy, a leading workforce management platform, pharmacy staff are officially the unhappiest workers in the United States.
After analyzing more than 1.5 million end-of-shift surveys from hourly employees between April 2024 and April 2025, researchers introduced a new Net Happiness Score to measure how workers feel about their jobs across industries.
Why does this matter? Because happiness at work directly influences productivity, burnout, and retention. As the report notes, “Sentiment is a leading indicator of turnover, absenteeism, and performance.”
The Unhappiest Jobs in America (2025)
The study paints a challenging picture for some sectors. Here’s how the lowest-ranking jobs fared:
1. Pharmacy Staff
Only 14% of pharmacy employees reported feeling satisfied at the end of their shift. Long hours, understaffing, and increasing customer demand likely contribute to their stress.
2. Delivery & Postal Workers
The boom in e-commerce has led to intense pressure for postal and delivery staff, who are often racing against tight deadlines and high parcel volumes.
3. Animal Health & Veterinary Clinic Workers
Burnout isn’t limited to hospitals—veterinary and pet care professionals are also struggling with compassion fatigue and long working hours.
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According to the American Psychological Association, job burnout remains one of the most common causes of workplace stress across healthcare-related professions.
The Happiest Workers in the U.S.
It’s not all bad news. Some industries are thriving with high morale and positive work environments.
The happiest workers in America, according to the same report, come from more relaxed and creative sectors:
- Cannabis, Tobacco & E-Cigarette Staff – 91% reported feeling “good or amazing” at the end of their shift.
- Catering & Café Employees – Cited flexibility, community, and customer interactions as key happiness drivers.
- Dental Office Workers – Surprisingly content, possibly due to consistent hours and supportive workplace structures.
As Harvard Business Review notes, job satisfaction often correlates with autonomy and social connection—two things these roles offer in abundance.
Where Are the Happiest States?
Geography plays a role in worker happiness, too.
According to Deputy’s findings:
- South Carolina, Virginia, and Utah have the happiest workers, thanks to flexible schedules and positive workplace culture.
- New Mexico, Vermont, and North Dakota ranked lowest, with employees citing feelings of being “unsupported and overstretched.”
A Gallup report supports this trend, showing that engagement and flexibility are the top predictors of workplace satisfaction nationwide.
What Reddit Thinks About Work Culture
Following the report, Reddit users joined the discussion—highlighting one recurring theme: America’s employment-based health insurance system.
One user commented:
“This job pays like crap and I hate it, but I can’t quit or I’ll lose my medical coverage.”
Others compared the U.S. system to countries where basic healthcare is free, like South Africa and parts of Europe, underscoring how workplace dissatisfaction often ties back to broader social structures rather than job conditions alone.
Why Job Happiness Matters More Than Ever
Employee happiness isn’t just about smiles—it’s a business strategy. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that happier employees have better mental health, fewer absences, and higher retention rates.
For employers, this means that investing in mental health resources, fair pay, and work-life balance isn’t optional—it’s essential for long-term success.
You can explore more about workplace wellbeing in related Viralsensei articles:
- Why Burnout Is the Silent Career Killer
- Top U.S. Cities for Work-Life Balance in 2025
- How Flexible Schedules Boost Employee Happiness
- The Psychology Behind Job Satisfaction
The Bigger Picture
While most U.S. workers (79%) still report feeling “good or amazing” about their jobs, certain industries clearly need attention.
The 2025 Shift Pulse Report is a reminder that happiness at work is about more than pay—it’s about respect, support, and balance.
For employees feeling burned out, experts recommend:
- Talking openly with supervisors about workload.
- Using available mental health or employee assistance programs.
- Setting realistic boundaries between work and home life.
The 2025 findings make one thing clear: happiness at work depends on human connection, manageable stress, and fair treatment. Whether you’re behind a pharmacy counter or serving lattes, your sense of purpose matters.
For employers and policymakers alike, creating environments where workers can thrive—mentally and emotionally—should be the real goal.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this information.
