HR is Grainger's Weakness - Manager Grainger Employee Review

3.0
May 14, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Grainger has a complex business model that offers ongoing challenge/learning opportunities. They are investing in improving their digital experience and have a solid reputation in the marketplace.

Cons

Grainger strives to create an inclusive culture that values people, unfortunately this is not what I observed. Over the past several months, I witnessed ongoing examples of coworkers being treated in a disrespectful/degrading manner by a senior leader. When I was interviewed by HR for an ethics complaint, I shared my experiences watching others be actively excluded from discussions, contributions being openly disparaged, and erratic shifts in priorities. The ethics complaint investigation closed and two weeks later the individuals who received the harshest treatment were told their jobs were eliminated. HR’s mishandling of this situation is the primary reason I chose to leave the company after being a consistent high performer. “Do the right thing” is one of Grainger’s principles. At least in this case, HR repeatedly failed to do the right thing.

Explore other reviews about Grainger

5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Schedules were very flexible! Leadership cared

Cons

It was really exhausting, hot work in the warehouse

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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