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Barrett Business Services

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Horrible Culture - Anonymous employee Barrett Business Services Employee Review

1.0
Nov 5, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive salaries (although you better negotiate well - no one gets raises), the office area is nice and professional.

Cons

You get 4 sick days during year 1, and then 1 week of vacation time during year 2 (completely not competitive in this area - current employer and previous employer both provided me 3-4 weeks PTO during year 1 that I could use right away). Expect to work lots of OT, no OT pay though of course as you're salaried, but, expect to be treated like an hourly employee and frowned upon if 2 min late in the morning. Apparently working 6 days a week and long evenings doesn't matter. CEO is awful, sales guy w/zero skill set. I listened to him speak once to a room full of HR managers/consultants and say that HR will never have a place at the table because they don't have a P&L. YOU ARE AN HR SERVICES COMPANY! I was in shock... Culture is awful, several people I knew were literally depressed/crying because they were often treated so badly. Would never recommend anyone to work here, ever.

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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