I worked for Academy longer than any other company by almost double. When I joined, I was shocked by the amazing culture, benefits (including an on-site, free therapist), and sense of hope for the future. It is remarkable how a company that was so amazing has done a complete 180 in the last 18 months. Yes, the market turned and hard decisions had to be made. So a CHRO was hired who would be the executioner, and she is only so happy to do so. She is not someone who I ever thought would be hired by Academy as she is the opposite of what the culture has always been.
Almost all benefits have been discontinued short of the basic medical/dental. Raises and bonuses were frozen - at least that's what they told everyone. Certain people who were the favorites of certain leaders (even if they are poor performers themselves) secretly received raises while other high-performers continued to be underpaid and overworked.
Academy has always been proud of its core values and that really resonated with me; however, I have seen too many things happen in the last 18 months that go against those core values to still believe they are intact. Academy was once the best place I ever worked, and I had plans to stay there, but I couldn't continue to be true to myself and stay at Academy in its current state. It truly makes me sad as there are so many amazing people who are still there hoping things will change and go back to how it was.
There are still many leaders who care and see how bad it's gotten. I tried talking to leadership and providing feedback. Some listened and tried to help (and even agreed with my concerns), but ultimately were told to "stay in your lane and mind your business."
It's unfortunate that it only took 1-2 duplicitous and apathetic leaders to have such a horrific impact on a once remarkable company.
