The smallest US state has been named the one with the happiest employees, according to a study by human resources firm Bamboo HR. Rhode Island’s employee happiness score was 46 percent higher than the national average, based on how likely workers were to recommend their workplace.
Governor Dan McKee welcomed the findings, stating: “This highlights the hard work and dedication of our workforce as well as the support and leadership of our business community.” The study comes amid a challenging job market, with unemployment near four-year highs and artificial intelligence threatening various industries.
The five happiest states were Rhode Island, Maine, Hawaii, Arizona and Alaska. In contrast, New Hampshire ranked lowest, followed by Connecticut, Wyoming, Montana and Oregon.
The research found that employee happiness is driven more by labour-market dynamics – particularly opportunity and mobility – than by location, ideology or income. States with similar demographics can have vastly different outcomes depending on worker turnover and retention.
Rhode Island’s labour market comprises 45,239 private companies and 427,086 workers, with small businesses (under 20 employees) representing 92.4 percent of all employers.
