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Columbia Sportswear

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Disconnected leadership that doesn't understand technology - Software Engineer Columbia Sportswear Employee Review

3.0
Feb 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. Unlimited time off that lives up to the promise so far (within reason). 2. Work doesn't usually go beyond 8am to 5:30pm.

Cons

1. The CEO is completely and unapologetically against remote work. 2. The technology group (CDT) has been heavily persecuted for more than a year. Leaders fired, layoffs, yes men installed, and a shift to short term focus. 3. Return to office was mandated for 4 days a week starting in January. If you left Portland, return or resign. 4. Promotions are extremely rare. 5. Annual raises, if you get one, often lag behind inflation. 6. Bonus requirements keep increasing and payouts keep decreasing. 7. Leadership pushes a burdensome goal system with quarterly recaps that provides no value because it doesn't lead to new opportunities or raises. 8. During annual reviews, the criteria is extremely high for exceeding expectations. Only a incredibly small percentage obtain it and the rest meet expectations by default, which is devastating after going above and beyond. 9. The company is having an identity crisis. It's constantly trying to be hip with various stunts to gain social media hype. 10. The leadership feigns understanding of employee troubles but then frequently takes no action or takes action that makes things worse. 11. Leadership is actively pushing roles offshore. They now have a technology center in India. 12. Definitely do not come here if you are looking to grow your career. Your career and compensation will remain relatively stagnant. It's been a known problem for a decade.

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Columbia Sportswear Response
5mo
Thank you for providing your feedback. We take all compliance concerns seriously and encourage you to report your concern if you feel there has been a violation of law. To do so, please write to ethicsandcompliance@columbia.com. Compliance concerns raised in good faith are promptly investigated. Thank you for helping us uphold our commitment to doing the right thing.

Explore other reviews about Columbia Sportswear

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Positive environment, great training, pride in products and technology.

Cons

Seasonal employees get "up to 25 hours" but I have only been scheduled up to 15 hours a week.

3.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work-life balance and benefits.

Cons

What was once a pro for culture has now become a con. Uncertainty due to massive layoffs. Remote work has been largely eliminated, and thus flexibility has decreased signficantly. Offshore and AI initiatives to reduce local US workforce. Although collaboration is encouraged, departments are siloed and operate independently which causes significant inefficiencies costing the company millions of dollars. Diversity is also lacking in a number of departments. Over reliance on external consultants instead of leveraging internal expertise.

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