Pros
Solid performing company. Few large companies have the financial performance of this company, over short- and long-term. Focused - does not stray into extraneous areas without deliberation or make trendy moves. Generally positive atmosphere to work in, with some modern-day trends coming into existence recently (work-from-home, etc.). People are proud to work for the company and many stay a long time. Makes products that make peoples lives better.
Cons
Salaries are below-average and this is one of the worst-kept secrets at the company. Other non-salary benefits (e.g. hours, 401(k) match) offset this somewhat. The company is very old-fashioned, and, presumably like at most companies, double-standards exist. Men still wear suits, women wear whatever they want. Atmosphere is cordial and collegial but at the same time stressful and cold - people often do not even say hello to each other in the halls. This has only gotten more pronounced with the attempt to cost-cut their way to profits and shuttle jobs oversees. Also, people are overworked (although it never gets to "sweat-shop"-type hours) and that probably adds to stress. Cost-cutting also left those who didn't get cut feeling like they had to validate their existence with "work analyses" done by high-powered consultants. There also is a veil of secrecy and guardedness from both HR and upper management. HR is not very good on the whole and neither is IT. It's almost impossible to know where to turn with an HR question. IT service is horrendous. This has only gotten worse with the move to a Mexican shared service center. Management skills are poor and managers are not trained to lead. Most annoying thing at the company is they pat themselves on the back so much with cliches and jargon about Managing with Respect and Colgate Values and then they cut people and let unskilled managers still exist. Premium is placed on ethnic diversity, even to the exclusion of attaining the most diverse (university-wise) talent.
