Standard big company cookie cutter carrier. - Engineer 3M Employee Review

2.0
20 Aug 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people to work with, many smart scientists and engineers from all disciplines available for advice and collaboration. Many exciting technical areas of work. When the job reqs arent frozen, if unsatisfied at one place one would be able to switch jobs to a completly different area without having to leave the company (keeping all the benefits and vacations).

Cons

This might be true for any large company, but it is really hard to stand out for a raise. The promotions/raise system is set up in such a way to keep everyone below industry median pay at all times. Not very competative. Little reward for doing an awesome job or 'performing at a much higher level'. It's like communism, everyone is the same, which rewards lazy people and chases away great workers that are willing to fight and take risks (what 3M needs most now). It used to be that 3M paid their employees less but offered more intangible benefits like a secure job, flexible hours and a more freedom for research. These benefits are gone, and the pay stays low.

Explore other reviews about 3M

5.0
11 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work for what you get. Rewarding work and great management structure

Cons

Management can be vague sometimes

3.0
10 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Company investing in new products and higher growth markets

Cons

Over the past five years, there has been a significant decline in employee loyalty and incentive programs. Equity compensation, such as stock options and RSUs, was previously accessible to mid-level managers but is now strictly reserved for directors and above, reducing long-term incentives for a large portion of the workforce. Additionally, an increase in micromanagement and administrative red tape—particularly regarding strict scrutiny on all spending—has hindered productivity. The frequent practice of cutting budgets to meet short-term quarterly Operating Income (OI) targets is ultimately compromising our long-term revenue growth.

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