An innovation engine that has lost its way - Manufacturing Engineer 3M Employee Review

4.0
3 Sept 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits package. The technologies are interesting and there is great potential to combine 3M technologies to create new products and markets.

Cons

There is a undervaluation of technical expertise at 3M. People who spend an inordinate portion of their time making Powerpoint presentations for upper management advance and those who make massive technical contributions see their careers stagnate. 3M management lets the tail wag the dog in pushing the quality initiative de jour so pervasively that it greatly impedes progress and development. The company reacts to change at a glacial pace and fails to react quickly when markets change. They empire build and then resort to layoffs and write-offs once the tide changes and they've missed the boat.

Explore other reviews about 3M

5.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great collaboration and tiered management system

Cons

They use old planning systems

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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