Here Are The States Where People Dislike Their Boss The Most- And Why

States Where People Dislike Their Boss The Most Map

Is your boss driving you up the wall?

You’re not alone. While many employees don’t harbor intense dislike for their current supervisors, a significant number have encountered a bad boss at some point in their careers. In fact, many have left jobs specifically to escape difficult management.

In a recent survey of 2,000 workers, we explored the dynamics of toxic employee-boss relationships, focusing on the behaviors that contribute to employee dissatisfaction.

Continue reading to discover what frustrates workers the most and which states have the highest number of unhappy employees—those who might even have a dartboard featuring their boss’s face! Or scroll down for the comprehensive ranked list.

Key Findings

Micromanagement tops the list of complaints against bosses, closely followed by inaccessibility and incompetence.
New Mexico ranks highest for worker dissatisfaction, with 33% of employees reporting they have a bad boss.
On the flip side, Mississippi boasts the happiest employees, with no one claiming to dislike their boss—at least publicly.
While most states cite micromanagement as the worst trait in a boss, Kentucky stands out for its gossip-prone managers, while Arkansas employees express frustration over condescending attitudes.
Workers who sit 20-50 feet from their bosses tend to feel indifferent, often describing their bosses as neither good nor bad.

Why Do Employees Dislike Their Bosses?

Employees most frequently cite micromanagement, unavailability, and incompetence as their least favorite traits in a boss. If you’re a manager and wondering why your team might be dissatisfied, these are essential areas to reflect on, especially considering the unique challenges of remote and hybrid work environments.

High employee turnover due to poor management can be a costly issue for businesses, impacting morale and productivity significantly.

Other common complaints include:

Playing favorites
Poor hygiene (a surprisingly frequent mention!)
Nepotism
Discrimination (including racism, prejudice, and sexism)
Greediness
Narcissism
Excessive friendliness
Forgetfulness
Loud or obnoxious behavior

Finding a balance in management style is crucial. Too nice, too strict, too present, or too absent can all lead to dissatisfaction. Simple, right?

While these reasons are common, some complaints are more unusual, such as “wearing too much perfume” or “bringing home a rat caught at work.”

What Frustrates Each State the Most?

We compiled the reasons employees dislike their bosses beyond just the top complaint. Over 24 states identify micromanagement as the primary issue, while 8 states express frustration over inaccessibility. Perhaps a job swap could help?

Notably, Kentucky’s biggest complaint involves gossiping bosses, while Arkansas workers are particularly irritated by condescending attitudes. Other common issues include rudeness, lack of competence, and insufficient empathy.

Your Proximity to Your Boss Affects Your Perception

Interestingly, physical distance doesn’t always foster fondness—especially when it comes to bosses. Employees who work closely with their supervisors (in the same office) are more likely to express a positive view, possibly due to the benefits of face-to-face interactions and shared experiences.

As remote work becomes more prevalent, some employees may worry about losing that sense of connection. However, remote workers tend not to report strong dislike for their bosses, suggesting different dynamics at play.

Overall, the majority of workers typically report liking their bosses, with many feeling neutral or even positive about their relationships.

Methodology

This study was conducted by Zippia.com, a career resource platform, surveying 2,000 workers across the United States to understand their perceptions of boss-employee dynamics.

Participants responded to various questions regarding their feelings toward their current and past supervisors. The percentage of individuals who reported disliking or strongly disliking their boss was used to rank states by dissatisfaction levels.

Is Your Boss Really That Bad?

Check out the full ranked list to see which states have the highest dissatisfaction rates regarding bosses. While it’s true that many have left jobs due to poor management, the majority of employees do not currently hate their bosses.

Ideally, you have a professional and satisfactory relationship with your supervisor, as you likely spend a significant part of your day interacting with them. A difficult boss can turn a day’s work into an exhausting ordeal. While some complaints may seem trivial (like cheesy jokes or excessive perfume), others are serious and warrant attention.

Every employee deserves a supportive and respectful work environment. If your boss creates an uncomfortable atmosphere, consider utilizing available resources, including HR. However, if it’s just quirky habits that bother you, it might be time to seek a new role and a more compatible boss.

Rank	State	% Who Dislike Their Boss
1	New Mexico	33.3%
2	Oklahoma	32.3%
3	Alabama	24.1%
4	Michigan	22.4%
5	Iowa	20.8%
6	Ohio	19.1%
7	Georgia	18.7%
8	Arkansas	18.2%
9	Oregon	17.9%
10	Louisiana	17.6%
11	New York	17.1%
12	Rhode Island	16.7%
13	New Jersey	16.7%
13	Montana	16.7%
13	Maine	16.7%
16	Pennsylvania	16.5%
17	Maryland	16.1%
18	Indiana	15.7%
19	Virginia	15.3%
20	Missouri	14.6%
21	Idaho	14.3%
21	Connecticut	14.3%
23	Florida	14.0%
24	Colorado	14.0%
25	California	13.6%
26	Arizona	13.5%
27	Hawaii	13.3%
28	North Carolina	13.1%
29	Utah	12.9%
30	Tennessee	12.8%
31	South Dakota	12.5%
31	Delaware	12.5%
31	West Virginia	12.5%
31	New Hampshire	12.5%
35	Illinois	12.1%
36	Texas	11.4%
37	Wisconsin	11.1%
38	Wyoming	11.1%
39	Minnesota	10.3%
40	Nebraska	10.0%
40	South Carolina	10.0%
42	Washington	9.8%
43	North Dakota	8.3%
44	Vermont	7.7%
45	Alaska	5.0%
46	Kentucky	4.8%
46	Kansas	4.8%
48	Nevada	4.5%
49	Massachusetts	3.7%
50	Mississippi	0.0%

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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