Great work environment - Box Office Associate Folger Shakespeare Library Employee Review

I volunteered for the Folger Theatre through high school between 2017 and 2020. Management was quite kind. In exchange for volunteering, I was able to watch every show for free, either on reserved stools in the back of the theatre or, if available, leftover audience seats.

I never experienced any cons, it was a lovely opportunity.

The Folger’s mission and collections are impressive

There is a gap between the Folger's stated values and what employees experience day-to-day. The organization talks about inclusivity, collaboration, and respect, but many staff members find the workplace to be hierarchical, cautious, and not very supportive. If you are not in a leadership role, it is hard to feel empowered, listened to, or even recognized. Decisions are often made without clear explanation, communication is uneven, and many employees feel left out of important discussions about their work. HR is not seen as a helpful resource for employees. Instead, it often seems to focus on leadership’s interests instead of offering real support or standing up for staff concerns. Morale is low, employees feel undervalued, and many are hesitant to speak up about problems because they worry about possible backlash.