Happiness at Grainger depends on who you work for - Coopywriter Grainger Employee Review

4.0
Dec 16, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a thriving and forward thinking company not afraid to take the steps to survive in a changing business environment. While a lot of other retailers cling to their catalogs, Grainger embraced online shopping even to the point of cannibalizing their own books. It is a strategy that works.

Cons

Such a big company gets very small with "little chieftens" allowed to run their little empires. Leadership doesn't have the time or care to reign in this layer of insulated bureaucrats and, unfortunately, in some cases abusive bosses. While it is clear that people on the same level as these offenders recognize the patterns of favoritism and abuse as they are repeated over and over by the worst, very sick offenders, they admit they fear for their own jobs and while privately sympathizing with victims, don't do anything.

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5.0
Jun 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pays well Hours are flexible if needed Acknowledgement Happy employees

Cons

Extreme time management Lack of ability to take time off

4.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are decent and reasonably priced. They offer a 401k match, BCBS insurance, FSA, HSA, dental, vision, life insurance, and accidental D&D coverage. They also do a 3‑to‑1 match for donations to non‑religious 501(c) organizations. There’s a big emphasis on volunteering, with plenty of opportunities to get involved. The building itself is beautiful, with a free on‑site gym, a coffee shop, real trees in the atrium, a waterfall, and a large cafeteria (though the food can vary). They’re also flexible about which days you come on‑site, depending on the team’s schedule. If I needed to switch a Monday for a Thursday, it was never an issue. My manager was also supportive of remote work on days when the weather made commuting difficult.

Cons

Admins do not get an annual bonus. They're really strict on Overtime, really weird about worrying about mini costs. Like they'll spend 50k on a week-long training but freak out if people want to rent a car while being in town. Can't buy lunch for this 3 hour meeting to cut costs, but we'll drop 10k on this other thing. It's also so unfair that some people get to work remotely and others are forced to come in 3 times a week, for the exact same roles. Every meeting is basically online, so it's just silly and a power trip.

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