Pros
-Amazing company discount -Store level management and associates care about customers and each other. Best team of people I've ever worked with on the store level.
Cons
Corporate Culture of Unawareness and Unprofessionalism -Do not return phone calls or emails in timely manner but expect 100% compliance from managers and associates. -Lack of professionalism, no business phone, business's cards, requirement of using personal devices to communicate company business -No follow up in writing (company does not like to communicate through paperwork or email-seems they don't want to leave a paper trail) --Sales goals often unattainable -Expects to recruit and keep top talent with low pay for the amount of work and loyalty expected to company. There is almost zero room for advancement and employees aren't granted set hours each week. Company doesn't seem to understand that people work to make a living- not just because they "love" the brand and want a discount -Unclear communication from upper management. Constant communication about brand “Prosperity” but nothing-about things store managers need to succeed in business. Lack of Concern for Employee or Customer Safety -Safety hazards ; no air conditioning or heat in multiple stores during extreme weather conditions. -Employees have been required to come into work during major snowstorms and other weather events in which surrounding businesses were closed. -Company expects store managers to be event planners and purchase food for customers with no concern for proper food storage and preparation. (One store in particular has been required to host events and serve food items from a stock room, which also functions as an employee restroom. Another store has no sink for hand washing and is still required to serve food items for events.) -Employees are required to work long shifts alone with no security. (One store was robbed at gunpoint and the corporate management did not think this was something the oncoming manager needed to be told about. Since that time the store is gone back to longer hours- still with no security- while all surrounding businesses have upgraded security features) -Small and dangerously over stocked stockrooms. Falling Hazards, splintering wood on counters and shelves. -Stores expected to be detail cleaned by store managers and associates. -Some stores have rodents –mice, rats, vermin- Company does send exterminators from time to time, however problems are rarely solved in an orderly manner. (One store had dead rats in the ceiling; manager complained about the smell, company did nothing. Eventually maggots formed and started falling from the ceiling. Talk about a heath hazard! The company operated as business as usual for days until it was removed.) Lack of Integrity -Company will spend money on monthly events but does not fix unsightly cosmetic problems in stores. -Promotes “Natural” identity but products are not 100% natural -Everything is thrown in the trash. Zero recycling done unless individual stores have that through property management. -Cult like atmosphere. You must “LOVE” this company in order to work here and will be asked if you love your job on multiple occasions. Anyone they feel doesn’t measure up to that standard will be bullied and pushed out of the company. Work Life Balance/ Lack of Respect -Working more than 40 hours and not getting paid anything additional for salaried managers -Necessitating use of personal time and property for business (sending company emails and pictures with personal computer/ Smartphone for no additional compensation- DM’s get mad when you won’t do it.) --No work life balance- no additional holiday pay for all but 4 federal holidays and you are required to work. -No consideration for employees well being. Using PTO/sick is frowned upon and looked down as if you’re doing something wrong -Constantly shifting priorities and protocols with out warnings or explanations -Workplace bullying; if someone decides that they don’t like you, your as good as done. No amount of hard work, time or energy will save you in this High school like atmosphere. -Extreme micromanagement! Everything you do is observed like a kindergartner, Down to whether you check a box or sign your initials. There are multiple emails each day that must be printed and signed, only to be put in a binder, then thrown away later.