Umpqua changed after merging with Sterling - Universal Associate Columbia Bank Employee Review

2.0
Feb 3, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great affordable benefits, paid volunteer time up to 40 hours a year, PTO and paid holidays. Most of the time there is a great team environment. Lots of communication about operational changes, new campaigns, sales goals etc.

Cons

The company was growing in a great direction until the merger. Since the merger, Umpqua has cut back tremendously on costs including reducing associate's hours. There has been lay offs and most likely there will be more. Management is flat out terrible. Managers are moved around to different stores constantly. Managers that have been at locations for longer don't really do anything. Some managers disappear during the day and do personal errands while their team is scrambling to keep up with all the work. Many store managers are lazy and really shouldn't even be in management. Also, self evaluations are a joke, if you haven't reached the requirements for the next level UA position don't count on getting a raise. The most you will get is 3%. Try not to get hired at the end of the year because then you won't get a raise for a year and half,. Raises are usually in April and they wont review you if you started in November/December. Upper management is mostly Sterling, it's no longer legacy Umpqua. Old school Umpqua area managers were much more concerned about company culture than Sterling. Sterling has taken over most of the upper management and its obvious because it has impacted the associates. They demand that we cut back our hours, which means managers are micromanaging hours for all employees. Work 15 min over you shift, come in 15 min later the next day. Unfortunately our roles have been cheapened, it feels more like working for a fast food company than a bank who values our efforts.

Explore other reviews about Columbia Bank

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Columbia Banking System has been a great place to work for thus far. The environment is enjoyable and the company itself is virtuous.

Cons

There is quite a bit of downtime in-between customers, but this is also a pro because it means there is ample opportunity to get more customers through the door and banking with us.

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great People, generous Vacation and Sick time, and decent facilities.

Cons

Poor communication from leadership. Typical "Good ol' Boys Club" type politics, and too many convoluted policies and procedures to keep up. Hard workers are awarded with more work, while others are allowed to skate by under the radar.

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