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American Red Cross

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Important work, terrible culture - Phlebotomist American Red Cross Employee Review

2.0
Nov 30, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You are helping to save lives by creating blood products for American hospitals

Cons

Misleading new employees about the expected work hours. For example, when they hire you they tell you that you will be working four 10-hour shifts a week. However, because the pay period begins on a Saturday you actually work 6 DAYS a week, every other week when you have to work weekends. Not to mention, it's closer to 12-hour shifts than 10-hour shifts. Beware if you have children or other obligations. No PTO to test for COVID-19 or to quarantine even when the exposure is a confirmed work exposure Mandatory COVID vaccines despite the risks involved and the fact that it is a mandate and not a law Long hours (they tell you you're going to be working four 10-hour shifts when in reality every other week you work six 12-hours shifts) No upward mobility especially if you are not a white female No local Human Resources so be prepared for stoic messages from the virtual HR chat feature Paying for a union with no union representative or liaison when an issue arises Pep talks and empty promises from management when you address your concerns No PTO to test for COVID-19 or to quarantine even when the exposure is a confirmed work exposure

Explore other reviews about American Red Cross

5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance, fair pay and great work environment

Cons

Not a lot of upward mobility unless you find a different role in the organization. It’s also hard to switch between departments

2.0
Mar 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You feel connected to a larger mission, and go to bed knowing you did good work. Most of the volunteers are amazing people. The job is a good stepping stone to other disaster management jobs elsewhere. PTO policy is generous and Healthcare is decent.

Cons

You are INCREDIBLY overworked and GROSSLY underpaid. You get zero work-life balance. Even when you're not on call, you'll still get tons of calls from volunteers with questions and concerns. If a volunteer is unavailable to respond to a fire call or tend to any other responsibility day or night, you're on deck. You're salaried, so there's no overtime pay. Your pay barely covers the basic cost of living in today's economy ($40k-$50k). Diversity is bottom heavy, meaning there are lots of employees of color in entry level or lower management roles, but beyond that there's a steep drop off. Most of the volunteers are great, but the Red Cross is so desperate to keep them, that poor behavior and language (racist/sexist/phobic) is not properly disciplined or responded to, if at all. Employee retention is poor, especially in the Disaster Specialist role, because they burn you out so quickly without decent pay.

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