A Workplace of Fear - Anonymous employee Columbia Bank Employee Review

2.0
Mar 1, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sterling was a good bank with good leadership and partnership with management and staff. Umpqua?-gives free coffee!

Cons

Umpqua mentality is an insult to customers in general. Everything can't be fixed with silly games and free coffee. Staff cut backs have created stores working under constant pressure resulting in poor audits, very poor customer service, and poor morale. They start out paying UA's $15 an hour and it's nothing after that. Incentive pays are hard to get if you keep loosing customers due to poor service. Expected some back slide due to merger, but this was a mess for everyone involved. Motto from CEO was "lean and mean". Great way to treat new staff .."welcome to Umpqua...here drink some Kool Aid" They don't give customers the benefit of any intelligence. Ray Davis thinks everything can be fixed with silly games and free coffee. Bottom line, merger didn't go well and there is much suffering going on because of it. Not sure it can recover-certainly not to the standard Sterling held. Stop in and pick up the Ray Phone-then see how much trouble the manager gets in because of it. Another phony Ray game.

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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