Great when I started, but the new changes have turned it around for the worse - Anonymous employee 1-800 Contacts Employee Review

1.0
Jun 28, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work at home opportunities, subsidized meals, great co-workers, get to wear casual where to work, bonuses (if given).

Cons

Pay isn't great, bonuses have been cut down more than ever, constant changes to where we aren't even told of all of them and are expected to know everything, horribly understaffed, people getting fired left and right. One of the trainers was forced to step down with the new training program they implemented, every manager had to reapply for their jobs for this joke of changing departments (two of the long term managers were demoted and replaced with people who had just been there for over a year) and there are so many people getting fired left and right (even if you don't have a write-up) that the turnover is the highest it has ever been. The policy is that you can get weekends off after being there for one year. Two friends of mine walked out, because after the year was up, they were told they could not have weekends off as promised and it wouldn't happen anytime soon. And if you decide to apply, DO NOT apply for the chat team. I have been on the chat team for over three years and it is horrible. We are now required to do sales, bonuses are lower than ever and we are horribly understaffed. We also received an email that they were just barely started to train (after being maxed out and miserably for MONTHS) and they won't hire anyone else to help. The quality system is also a complete joke. I have zero pride in my job now and I am sick of crying from being so overwhelmed while I work.

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1-800 Contacts Response
12y
We appreciate this Associate's comments. 1-800 CONTACTS welcomes all feedback both positive and negative. We encourage our associates to discuss concerns openly and honestly with their leadership teams or an HR representative. We appreciate that this Associate mentions that HR will defend the company. This demonstrates that the company does indeed listen, is attentive to the concerns and needs of our associates and does absolutely care about the work environment we're providing for our associates. Our base rates of pay for the call center are market leading. Restructure does bring change that will allow for future growth opportunities. We did realign the bonuses to be more focused on performance. The downside of this alignment, unfortunately, will affect lower performers but will have a greater tendency to reward higher performers. 1-800 CONTACTS prides itself on being a performance based culture where the best can succeed. Additionally, we pride ourselves in assisting our associates to achieve their goals and aspirations. We encourage all of our associates to meet with their leadership teams or an HR representative to discuss goals and career planning and we will assist them in their strategy. 1-800 CONTACTS is leader in contact delivery space, we're leader because of agility. Sometimes this agility does not allow for perfect communication ahead of time. To help with some of the negative responses and concerns we've monitored on Glassdoor, we've held 20 townhall style forums to inform associates on the awesome new direction of the company. Additionally we would love to have more specific information so we can either communicate better or respond better to associate concerns. So far, we have not had concerns addressed directly with managers or HR. 1-800 CONTACTS constantly reviews staffing needs. Presently at the time of this review, we're only 2 FTE understaffed in chat. This is because 1 was promoted and 1 was able to pursue lifelong career in unrelated career field because the company offers a tuition support program. As far as associates "getting fired left and right", this simply isn't true. 1-800 CONTACTS has a progressive discipline policy and we give our associates every chance to succeed and have long lasting and rewarding careers in our organization. 1-800 CONTACTS has been recognized consistently with the Alfred P. Sloan award for workplace flexibility. If an associate has specific needs or concerns regarding their schedule, we encourage them to work through the proper channels with their leadership team or an HR representative.

Explore other reviews about 1-800 Contacts

5.0
Jun 18, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Leadership genuinely cares about employees and creating a good company culture. Most companies claim to live their values but rarely ever do--1-800 Contacts is the rare exception that actually does. During my time here, I have felt genuinely supported by my team and leaders, and I know I am trusted in my role and that my work is valued. The company also has great perks (the 20/20 Grille!) and benefits. There are high expectations, but if you are willing to work hard and care about your impact, you will do well here!

Cons

They love gathering feedback and getting lots of opinions--even when those opinions aren't necessarily informed or likely to provide good direction. This can slow things down.

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1-800 Contacts Response
1w
Thank you for your kind words! We try to live our values every day, and we're so happy your experience reflects that. We thank you for all your hard work and contributions to our organization, We do love gathering feedback from our associates, but appreciate your thoughts on how we can improve that process. Thank you again. We hope to work alongside you for years to come!
2.0
Jun 6, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote Work Opportunities, On-Site grill

Cons

I worked at 1-800 Contacts for four years in the marketing department. During that time, I consistently produced high-quality work and handled a workload that often exceeded that of my peers. One of the biggest issues I experienced was a culture of toxic positivity. Employees were discouraged from raising concerns about workload, team dynamics, processes, or opportunities for improvement. Constructive feedback was often viewed negatively rather than as an opportunity to make the organization better. My experience ended during an extremely difficult personal period in my life. Rather than receiving support or even a meaningful check-in, I was terminated. What followed was even more concerning. During the termination meeting, I was given conflicting explanations by the individuals involved, and despite requesting the reason for my termination in writing, I never received one. When I later filed for unemployment benefits, the company reportedly provided Workforce Services with a different explanation for my separation, one that did not match what I had been told and that I believe was inaccurate. I subsequently learned of similar experiences from other former employees. I was also disappointed by the severance package, which fell well below what I would have expected after nearly four years of service and contributions to the company. Overall, my experience left me with serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and how employees are treated when difficult situations arise. What I initially perceived as an unhealthy workplace culture was ultimately reinforced by the way my departure was handled.

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1-800 Contacts Response
3w
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly sorry to hear that your time with us, especially your departure, didn’t meet the level of support and clarity we aim to provide. At 1-800 Contacts, we strive to foster a culture where feedback is welcomed and associates feel comfortable raising concerns about workload, team dynamics, and ways we can improve. We recognize that experiences can vary, and we take feedback like yours seriously as we continue to evaluate and strengthen our culture. We’re also committed to treating associates with respect and transparency throughout all stages of employment, including during difficult transitions. We regret that this was not your experience. We appreciate your feedback and wish you nothing but success in your future.
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