Aug 22, 2014
Edelman reviews
3.4
61% would recommend to a friend
Richard W. Edelman
60% approve of CEO
41% positive business outlook
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1.0
Aug 19, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
The biggest asset is its ties to Edelman. That gives you access to an impressive client roster and the ability to work in numerous industries and sectors, which can help you land your next role. Edelman itself offers some fun perks geared toward young, agency staffers, such as weekly ice cream and fruit days, and monthly happy hours. You have the opportunity for training, learning and mentorship from your PR colleagues, but only if you make the effort to integrate yourself. (Note that these pros are about Edelman, not Edelman Berland.)
Cons
Since the new CEO took over and the company changed names two years ago, the work environment and company culture quickly eroded and became toxic. While parent company Edelman has attempted to improve its workplace culture by placing greater emphasis on interpersonal behaviors -- tying promotions and recognition to your performance as a teammate and boss -- Edelman Berland moved in the opposite direction. Passive-aggressive behaviors, gossip, and back-stabbing became the norm. Morale is incredibly low. The CEO puts pictures of himself golfing and brags about jet-setting vacations in weekly internal communications to the staff, while forcing staff to give up holiday weekends and work 70+ hours weekly with no break in sight, for work that is not urgent. There is no pretense of work-life balance. Since the CEO transition, even the most senior employees no longer have insights into financial performance, company vision, and staffing plans. This lack of transparency trickles down to mid-level and junior staff, who are looking to understand their performance and receive guidance on what skill sets they need to develop and what career opportunities are available to them. In terms of the work itself, the company has shifted away from custom-tailored, insightful research, toward cookie-cutter "research" projects sold at high margins. Employees feel pressured to sell things clients don't need, with superficial analysis and insights.
4.0
Jul 15, 2014
Good agency environment; business is booming in Seattle
Anonymous employee
Current employee, more than 3 years
Seattle, WA
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
Breadth of clientele to meet your interests; employee benefits; new Seattle office location coming in November 2014; strong growth in Seattle market/office across disciplines and practice areas; salaries tend to be competitive within the agency market; company values and vision
Cons
Seattle parking (if you drive to work) can be $11-$13/day; work-life balance can be difficult based on client demands and workload, at times
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