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New research shows the US workplace landscape is a tale of extremes, with some workers battling boredom in the office while others face daily risks on the job.
Two recent studies have spotlighted the contrasting realities of America’s most boring workplaces and its most dangerous jobs, offering insights into the challenges employees encounter, whether they’re counting down the hours or counting on safety protocols.
America’s dullest workplaces
In a study by PlayUSA, a deep dive into 2.4 million Glassdoor reviews uncovered the Fortune 500 companies where employees feel the most disengaged. The analysis tracked keywords like “boring,” “tedious,” and “uninspiring” to create a “bored score” for each company. The top spot went to (drum roll…) aerospace and defense giant RTX, where employees ranked their workplace a staggering 98.26 out of 100 for monotony. Oof!
Albertsons Companies, the supermarket chain, and insurance provider Progressive followed in second and third place. Other big names apparently sucking the lifeforce out of employees include US Bancorp, PACCAR, and TJX Companies. Even some tech and automotive giants like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Motors made the top 20.
America’s most boring:
RTX
Albertsons Companies
Progressive Corporation
U.S. Bancorp
PACCAR
The TJX Companies, Inc.
Fannie Mae
Liberty Mutual
Travelers
Elevance Health
High pay in sectors like aerospace and banking won’t mitigate against boredom, suggesting that meaningful work, flexibility, and growth opportunities matter just as much as a paycheck.
America’s most dangerous jobs
At the other end of the spectrum, workers in America’s most dangerous professions face daily hazards that make a career at RTX seem pretty good by comparison. A study by DeMayo Law Group analyzed fatal injury data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, revealing that agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting are the riskiest industries, with a fatal injury rate of 18.6 per 100,000 workers.
Transportation and warehousing, as well as construction, also topped the list of perilous professions, with vehicle accidents, falls, and equipment failures driving high fatality rates.
America’s most dangerous professions:
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
Transportation and Warehousing
Construction
Wholesale Trade
Professional and Business Services
Other Services (excluding Public Administration)
Leisure and Hospitality
Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Educational and Health Services
Different strokes…
While RTX employees might dream of more excitement, a farmer or trucker might trade a few thrills for a predictable nine-to-five. Yet, whether the issue is boredom or danger, both scenarios highlight the importance of meaningful work and safety.
Addressing disengagement is as critical as ensuring a safe environment. Employees, after all, are at their best when inspired and secure - whether they’re behind a desk or on a construction site.
