Middle management promotion/hiring decisions based on politics instead of moving the business forward - Staff (7 Years) REI Employee Review

2.0
26 Aug 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Benefits in general -- including health care, employee discounts, bonus, above average vacation accrual per years served, 15 year sabbatical, casual attire.

Cons

Say you were the owner of a professional football team and had an opportunity to obtain the best quarterback in the league that gives you a better than 50% shot to win the Superbowl. Everything else being equal (e.g. salaries), would you (a) acquire/promote the super-star quarterback, or (b) make your buddy who once played pop-warner football as a kid, your franchise player in the key position as quarterback? Sadly, the answer is (b) in significant areas at corporate REI. Who, what suffers? The rest of the "team" who become demoralized and demotivated -- and more importantly, the business.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
16 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

3.0
9 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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