Pros
Excellent benefits like on-site wellness (massage, yoga etc..), education (personal not professional) and clothing allowance (much needed, as the clothes are expensive & employees are expected to wear them). Focus on social and environmental responsibility is genuine and admirable, particularly for a fashion company. Work-life balance is an honored company value (for some but not for all - dependent on department, position and leader). Open space floor plans create beautiful office aesthetic (there is no privacy and it is impractical for some, as the environment can be crowded, loud and disruptive).
Cons
Hiring practices are questionable and outdated. New hires are selected primarily on "culture fit," not skill. Hiring people that are similar to everyone else in the organization in personality, attitude, values, thinking style and background has led to complacency, overconfidence, and a lack of creativity. Diversity is indiscernible. The company is run primarily by white women who think, act, dress and talk alike. Hiring is also based on the demographic du jour, which happens to be millennials at the moment. Difference is discouraged, sameness rewarded. Growth and development opportunities are limited. Employees are expected to forge their own path and create their own positions with very little guidance. Professional training and education for leaders is extensive but practically non-existent for employees. Promotions and advancements are also limited and not based on merit but on how well you fit in, who your friends are and how much you hang out with your leader. Nepotism is the norm. Favoritism is flagrant. Salary is differentiated from compensation and affected by benefits, and salaries are low compared to national averages. Leadership is weak and ineffectual. The highly collaborative nature of the company looks good on paper but not in practice. Excessive collaboration with a lot of people makes decision-making frustrating, confusing and sluggish. Projects are interrupted or put on hold or shut down due to poor communication, structure and planning. Back to back meetings on a daly basis cancel out the company's well intentioned practice of work-life balance. In order to get work done, it is often necessary put in long hours to meet deadlines, which can be anxiety and stress inducing. The company is not technologically advanced. In fact, technology is sorely lacking. New hires come into the company with high expectations and are quickly disappointed. Most people stay for the benefits.
