In February 2025, U.S. workers are stepping into the year with steady confidence in the economy—but that doesn’t mean all is well at work. Our latest January Pulse Report reveals a growing emotional and interpersonal gap across the workforce. While 75% of employees say they’re happy in their jobs and engagement remains strong, fewer workers—especially younger ones—feel supported, heard, or cared for in their day-to-day experience. In fact, only 65% of 18-24 year-olds report feeling supported by their coworkers, a startling 20-point drop from their older colleagues.

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This month’s data also revealed how emotional well-being took a dip this month. Negative emotions like fear and sadness spiked—echoing concerns felt during major political events last year. Inauguration anxiety, geopolitical unrest, and lingering inflation are casting long shadows across workplace morale. 

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A good example of this: happiness on the job is lower for those who earn less than $100,000 annually in their household - a key demographic that the idealis and CivicScience team track given nearly 63% of U.S. households fall into that category. It is a trend worth watching.

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Even as emotional indicators dim, there’s a signal of strength pulsing beneath the surface. Curious what it is?

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Read the full report to find out and gain more insights about how U.S. workers are doing, and how that compares to your workforce. Unlock access to the full report by subscribing today.

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