Two words: "Always on". - Associate Marketing Manager General Mills Employee Review

2.0
Apr 23, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Will make your resume. Good pay (for CPG). Lots of free food giveaways. Work life flexibility (i.e., you won't be working just M-F 9-5, so make that vital appointment in the middle of the day).

Cons

Only 1/3 of their managers are "great managers", as uncovered by the company's own analysis. Yet, they seem to do nothing to help those managers improve, or get them out of the company. The worst offense seems to be a lack of ability (willingness?) to prioritize. As a result, teams go after way more than they should, resulting in NO work-life balance! Despite what you may have heard during recruiting, you should plan on working all day, then into the wee hours of the morning, and on weekends as well - year round (i.e., not just when you're new, or during planning season). Oh, and those "summer hours" when the company supposedly closes at noon on Fridays? Don't make any plans until after 5 if you're in marketing. Basically, it's an "always on" culture, with very little respect for personal life boundaries. On top of all this, I felt like if I'd found the cure for cancer, I'd be nailed for not curing the common cold as well. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still probably accept the offer, but would plan on killing myself for a year and resigning on day 366 for a position with a more sustainable lifestyle in a more desirable location.

Explore other reviews about General Mills

5.0
Jun 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Smart, caring workforce. Focused on hiring great workers. Cared about the products and the brands.

Cons

Occasionally felt bureaucratic and bloated.

4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Always busy with challenging work.

Cons

Office politics slows things down, seems like some of the work is about checking a box and not about really creating value or improved processes.

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