Culture is mostly for show - Lead Product Designer REI Employee Review

2.0
5 Jan 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many people are nice to work with, discount is good.

Cons

Culture of fear where people compete endlessly to be valued or get any form of new opportunities. There’s the idea pushed around that there is career development but for some reason no one is able to find or use that career development “budget” save for one or two people at the top. The jobs here don’t pay well enough for this to be the culture at REI. The culture of racial inclusivity is also largely talk as I’ve seen only one black person actually hired on the larger product team, which is comprised of more than 50 people. When they are done with you, they push people out cruelly rather than lay them off. I’ve seen it happen to a few of my colleagues and I think they would have rather just been laid off. Finally, PTO is not great.

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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