Toxic and Exclusive Environment - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

2.0
Jun 17, 2020
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent benefits. Access to a wealth of vendor discounts and employee discounts.

Cons

Little opportunity for growth for individual contributors although it is a large company. Vast disparities and inconsistencies of employee experience by team. No unified standard for management. Ineffective and toxic management: inconsistent communication, favoritism, lack of transparency, and observable unconscious/conscious bias. Severe lack of diversity. Lack of action in addressing employee management concerns and complaints. I have seen many external campaigns regarding the co-op's efforts to make the outdoors more inclusive. I can't see how this is an authentic representation of the company when the culture from my experience was of a toxic, tokenizing, and extremely exclusive environment. The impetus for my departure was a culmination of negative experiences and barriers for career growth. The experience I will carry with me through my career is perceived discrimination for severe health challenges that occurred during my employment. During an already difficult time, I was neither supported nor made safe in my role.

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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