Full-time at headquarters - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

2.0
Apr 23, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

REI gives back by providing staff time to non-profit organizations. Once a quarter we helped an outdoor-oriented non-profit with activities like removing invasive species from public outdoor spaces. If you love the mountains, climbing, hiking and camping you will have access to great deals on outdoor gear. Headquarters is adjacent to a wildlife preserve.

Cons

I don't understand how REI made the Fortune 500 Best Companies. The culture at REI headquarters where I worked changed for the worse two years ago with the new CEO (formerly at Coach) and a new CFO. Management lead by fear and confusion. Managers didn't talk to one another and expected staff to interpret conflicting and confusing direction. Staff was micromanaged and given no autonomy. Every decision, no matter how small, was examined and rehashed. There was no budget for anything except the pet-project teams of the CEO. Sales goals were unrealistic. Most staff at REI headquarters took their laptops home every night to work extra hours after the kids went to bed. And pay was low.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

3.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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