A good job should offer more than a paycheck. It should also provide respect, stability, and a healthy work culture. But according to thousands of employee reviews across major career platforms, not every workplace delivers. Some companies have developed reputations for toxic management, low morale, and relentless burnout. High turnover and low satisfaction scores make them cautionary tales for job seekers everywhere. Based on current employee feedback, here are the top five worst places to work in 2025.
1. Amazon: The Burnout Machine
Amazon might dominate global e-commerce, but inside its warehouses and corporate offices, the story is far less glamorous. Employees frequently cite long hours, unrealistic productivity targets, and a lack of work-life balance. Warehouse staff report being tracked by strict metrics that penalize even short breaks. While pay and benefits are competitive, the demanding pace leaves many physically and mentally drained. Despite efforts to improve conditions, Amazon continues to top lists of the worst places to work for employee well-being.
Additionally, some former employees gripe about the bureaucracy at the company. Stephanie Ramos, a former Amazon employee, wrote on social media, “Instead of the exciting, fast-paced environment I remember, I experienced a place bogged down in pointless meetings and middling middle managers.” She only wound up working there for less than three months after being rehired.
2. Dollar General: Overworked and Understaffed
At first glance, Dollar General seems like an easy retail gig, but workers tell a different story. Many employees report chronic understaffing, low wages, and minimal training, which make each shift chaotic and exhausting. Store managers often juggle multiple roles, from stocking shelves to running the register, with little corporate support. The result is high turnover and burnout across the chain’s thousands of locations. Reviews consistently rank Dollar General among the worst places to work in retail due to stress and lack of resources.
On Indeed, Dollar General has a 2.9-star rating from employees. Overall, employees feel like they are not compensated fairly, are overworked, poor work-life balance, and have a bad overall sense of belonging at DG.
3. Wells Fargo: A Culture Still Rebuilding Trust
Once considered a banking powerhouse, Wells Fargo’s reputation has never fully recovered from its 2016 fake accounts scandal. Employees describe an ongoing culture of pressure and micromanagement as leadership struggles to rebuild trust. Many workers cite unrealistic sales goals, unclear communication, and limited advancement opportunities. While some departments report improvement, others remain plagued by bureaucratic red tape and low morale. For many employees, the prestige of working for a big bank simply doesn’t outweigh the daily frustrations.
Not long ago, a Reddit user posted in a Charlotte subreddit. In the post, they wrote, “PSA for anyone thinking of working at Wells Fargo: Their HR doesn’t investigate complaints, including wrongful terminations which they are legally bound to investigate. The backlog is so big the OCC has gotten involved.” Others in the thread agreed, with several saying that it seems practically impossible to get someone fired when their behavior warranted it.
4. Spirit Airlines: Turbulence on the Ground and in the Air
Spirit Airlines may offer affordable travel for passengers, but its employees often pay the real price. Flight attendants and ground crew report low pay, unpredictable schedules, and minimal support from upper management. Pilots have also voiced concerns about operational efficiency and the lack of communication between departments. High turnover and labor disputes have made headlines, adding to the airline’s reputation for workplace instability. For many in aviation, Spirit ranks among the worst places to work due to constant turbulence behind the scenes.
Across more than 950 reviews on Indeed, employees have a few consistent complaints. With a 3.3-star rating, many workers have found that pay was too low and there isn’t great communication from their managers or higher-ups. This is especially the case when a furlough or other changes are happening.
5. Tesla: Innovation at a Human Cost
Tesla is known for pushing the boundaries of technology, but employees say the same intensity that drives innovation also fuels burnout. Workers at factories and offices describe long hours, high-pressure expectations, and a demanding leadership style. Some report safety concerns and a lack of consistent management communication. While the company’s mission inspires many, critics say it comes at the expense of work-life balance. Tesla remains a dream for some and a nightmare for others, one of the most polarizing and worst places to work, depending on your threshold for stress.
On top of that, there are current complaints about the way black employees have been treated at Tesla. According to Klie Law Offices, “The treatment of black employees was allegedly so bad at a Tesla factory, people had nicknamed it ‘the plantation.’ In a reference to U.S. slavery, employees were also allegedly called ‘cotton pickers.'” Talk about an awful workplace environment!
What These Companies Teach About Workplace Culture
These companies may differ by industry, but their biggest problems share a common theme: imbalance. Unrealistic expectations, poor communication, and disregard for employee well-being turn even high-paying jobs into daily struggles. The modern workforce is demanding more in terms of flexibility, transparency, and respect. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing not only talent but also public trust. In the end, success means nothing if your employees dread showing up each day.
Have you worked for one of these companies, or a job that deserves a spot on this list? Share your experience or thoughts on toxic workplaces in the comments below!
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The post Top 5 Worst Places to Work, According to Employees appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
