They do not promote based on competence or talent, but by "who you know." - Sales Support Department Grainger Employee Review

2.0
May 11, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are outstanding. Some departments do a great job of developing their people, evaluating talent, and promoting accordingly. The trick is to be in one of those departments.

Cons

One's experience at Grainger is completely dependant on 2 things: what department one happens to be in; and how connected one is to management. There are pools of people that all came from several other companies and they tend to isolate positive opportunities amongst themselves. There is a hypocrisy when management preaches continuous improvement but rejects suggested changes for the better in favor of status quo.

Explore other reviews about Grainger

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Grainger has a great culture, that values developing people and helping them to achieve their career goals. The rewards and recognition (pay, health insurance, work/life balance and misc. benefits) offered are top tier and prove that they are a people first company.

Cons

The number of systems we use.

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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