Toxic management leads to chronic understaffing and burnout - Lead Barista Ralph Lauren Employee Review

1.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Discounted coffee, insurance, some hardworking co workers.

Cons

The first West Coast location of Ralph’s Coffee Newport Beach is the worst place I've ever worked. Under the management of David Peterson, people work short-staffed very often, and his working style is very passive, and his timing is terrible. I don't know why they made him manager without proven experience and a lack of leadership. Chronic understaffing paired with a manager who avoids weekends, holidays, and difficult conversations creates a compounding problem staff burnout rises, morale drops, and unaddressed poor performers make things worse for everyone else. The irony is that understaffing often ends up costing the business more through overtime, turnover, and lost productivity than fixing it would but he they never try to fix it.

Explore other reviews about Ralph Lauren

5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Employees enjoy comprehensive welfare programs and a generally favorable working environment.

Cons

The decision-making process can be overly top-down, often disregarding the professional dignity of the employees.

5.0
Mar 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I was retired for years from my Corporate job. Decided that I wanted a part time job to get out of the house. This was my “Happy Place”. Never had a job that I loved so much. Worked hard, had the best customers (loyal) co workers. I learned so much about fashion and dressing different body types. I’ve been in different stores since I left as a customer buying myself clothes. Several ladies came up to me to ask how I am doing this! You’re wonderful at putting things together. I actually helped them put together wardrobes from what I learned. I felt an immense proudness working for RL. I still do. My managers were great and wouldn’t ask you to do anything they wouldn’t. Best of all is the discounts. After almost 5 years of working there, I realized it cost me money to work there. Lol. I’m a clothes nut. I never ever left a shift without a brown paper bag with a Polo Horse on it.

Cons

Some employees are very cut throat about individual sales. We were NOT on commission. Some employees just need to calm down and realize that we work as a team. Most do, but a few bad apples. Not much.

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