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Barrett Business Services

Is this your company?

Do Your Research First! - Consultant Barrett Business Services Employee Review

2.0
Jun 23, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The interaction with a variety of clients from differing industries can be initially interesting.

Cons

The company has lost their focus. BBSI initially was a client-centered company and a good place to work for employees, but now everything is about revenue/sales at any cost. Whether it is retaining poorly aligned clients or charging non-transparent (bundled) rates, the focus on money is relentless, and nothing else matters. The new CEO initially appeared exciting and refreshing, but the hope and promise of a culture shift and morale improvement eventually disappeared. There is very little job growth and many of the branch managers are unfortunately ego-driven, and manage by fear with yelling or berating of branch employees in group settings considered acceptable. Overall, there is no trust within the organization or within branches. Every employee quickly learns that they must lookout for themselves every day, as many colleagues are willing to do anything to gain favor with management to make their time spent at BBSI more manageable. Just do your research first before coming onboard so that you know what to expect from your new job. And yes, regardless of the position, there is a TON of tactical work daily that they may not share in the interview. And yes, there are NO raises. And yes, you WILL have to go into the office daily and also drive all over the area meet with clients. Ask yourself why are there so many LinkedIn job postings for BBSI (because turnover is extremely high, which is unheard of for a professional HR organization). I also suggest reaching out to former BBSI employees on LinkedIn and ask them about their experience. Unfortunately, you cannot ask current employees for feedback, as they operate out of fear and politics. One example is that many of the positive reviews here on GlassDoor were submitted by current employees. Why? Because we were encouraged by management to do so in a company meeting.

Explore other reviews about Barrett Business Services

5.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great pay, people, environment, and benefits.

Cons

Decentralized culture and lack of standard operating procedures

2.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great team environment with supportive coworkers who are always willing to help and collaborate. Working with a variety of clients provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to different industries, making it a great place to build professional relationships and expand your experience.

Cons

Leadership has declined significantly compared to previous management. A major concern is the lack of trust shown toward employees, which has led to an environment where people feel micromanaged rather than empowered to do their jobs effectively. Previous leadership encouraged open communication, listened to employee feedback, and fostered a culture of mutual respect and accountability. In contrast, employee concerns and suggestions are often not acknowledged or acted upon, leaving many feeling unheard and undervalued. There is a noticeable lack of meaningful listening and engagement from management, which has contributed to low morale and a growing disconnect between leadership and staff. The overall work environment has become increasingly negative, with a culture that does not consistently promote trust, collaboration, or professional growth. Additionally, there have been instances of inappropriate jokes and comments that create discomfort among employees, further contributing to a workplace culture that can feel unprofessional, unwelcoming, and unsupportive.

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