Toxic Environment with Clear Divide - Distribution Specialist McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
Sep 20, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay, decent by declining medical benefits

Cons

If you read the reviews, you will notice that management gives glowing reviews while the workers refer it to mindless, toxic, and unappreciated work. Managers and supervisors create an elitist approach to their subordinates and establish a clear divide between them. Instead of showing them gratitude and respect, many remind workers of "their place" and tell them that "workers are only staff and management is there to keep them in line." A great company, or at least branch, became mediocre over the 6 years I worked there. Many coworkers lie about each other to get ahead or stay out of trouble themselves, and there is no honest investigation process for hearsay. More employees have increased taking"sick days" or forced to use FMLA by supervisors because they need mental breaks to get away from the physical and emotional challenges they face each day, which creates more work for those who show up to work.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent people, great opportunities internally and externally to learn. Met some of my best friends there.

Cons

Can be stressful, long hours, and of course at times competitive.

4.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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