Not the worst place I've worked at as a Tech Designer - Associate Technical Designer Ralph Lauren Employee Review

3.0
3 Jul 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

PRL is a large and very stable international company. The Golden Goose, everything they make sells great and of good quality, the product is beautiful. Good benefits, environment is PC, great discounts, if you're lucky you can learn a lot, I did. I was fortunate to be with a great manager and close team. I learned a lot, yet not everyone has same experience. People think I'm awesome because I work there, it's a great name. Dept is fairly organized. Name looks great on resume. 2 weeks vac plus 4 free summer Fridays. If you are willing to play the game, you might get promoted in a few year's time. Otherwise, prepare to be miserable fast. If you get to meet Mr Lauren, you'll feel better about the Co, he is lovely yet his $6 billion worth is not going to be shared with you or me (sad). Pink Pony and all these fun events help morale a bit, (volunteering, etc.)

Cons

Since it is a very large company, you can get lost in the shuffle if your manager isn't good. Many teams are short staffed, it takes a long time to hire new staff. High rates of quitting, existing staff is obliged to work extra to make crazy deadlines with huge workloads. Colleagues have begged for help and are simply given a shrug and told to try harder (sad). Managers are out on time to catch their trains to their McMansion homes in LI or CT or NJ, meanwhile all the minions work late and from home (another sad reality). Meetings are long and require multiple changes to styles. Cliquish, everyone dresses the same. You need to become the pet of a higher up to move up in the company.Merit alone is not sufficient. Pay isn't great, titles are arbitrary, much focus given to Associate, Tech, Manager, etc. Reviews are ridiculous. No overtime paid for salaried workers. Many staff members complain about working late hours yet they mismanage their time, it gets annoying for efficient workers, almost looked down upon for leaving on time 9-6 and getting work done well. I work late hours when necessary but not a habit, I have a life. No bonus except for higher ups, these higher ups already make good money plus they have stocks and receive bonus if staff is kept to a minimum, and they work short hours (lucky them I'm not hating). Many complainers, if they worked there for a while, meanwhile I think it's not the worst place ever. Vacations are granted to favorites when they want it, others are denied their requests. No Holiday party at all except a luncheon where gag gifts are raffled (yawn...).though it varies by division.

Explore other reviews about Ralph Lauren

5.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Employees enjoy comprehensive welfare programs and a generally favorable working environment.

Cons

The decision-making process can be overly top-down, often disregarding the professional dignity of the employees.

5.0
12 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I was retired for years from my Corporate job. Decided that I wanted a part time job to get out of the house. This was my “Happy Place”. Never had a job that I loved so much. Worked hard, had the best customers (loyal) co workers. I learned so much about fashion and dressing different body types. I’ve been in different stores since I left as a customer buying myself clothes. Several ladies came up to me to ask how I am doing this! You’re wonderful at putting things together. I actually helped them put together wardrobes from what I learned. I felt an immense proudness working for RL. I still do. My managers were great and wouldn’t ask you to do anything they wouldn’t. Best of all is the discounts. After almost 5 years of working there, I realized it cost me money to work there. Lol. I’m a clothes nut. I never ever left a shift without a brown paper bag with a Polo Horse on it.

Cons

Some employees are very cut throat about individual sales. We were NOT on commission. Some employees just need to calm down and realize that we work as a team. Most do, but a few bad apples. Not much.

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