Trader Joe's?? Nope ...Slaver Joe's is more like it - Crew Member Trader Joe's Employee Review

1.0
May 1, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

10% shopping discount. Everyone, including managers and the "Captain", know how to, and often do perform the same tasks as the lowly crew member.

Cons

NO ACCOUNTABILITY for the majority of employees who stand around, socialize, and generally let a small minority of the crew do most of the work. LOTS OF FAVORITISM based more upon social standing/friendships than work ethic and ability. VERY LITTLE communication, as there is no real means of in-store communication (email/intranet mail, etc) other than speaking to someone directly. Even then, the message is often lost or not passed on to anyone else in management who MIGHT do something to improve the situation. Even when an issue is widely known, little or nothing is done to correct it. Unsafe working conditions given there is SUCH LIMITED STORAGE SPACE. Management sometimes ignores work-related incidents/injuries which should at least be documented with an incident report. Low hourly rate for crew ...and only small increases with time: not based uopn level of competence, title, or responsibility. Blatantly engage in age discrimination regarding annual bonus ...if you're under a certain age, you receive a bonus check every January. If you are above that age, you have no choice but to see that bonus go straight to your "pension" ...which takes 5 years to become 100% vested. So you're losing money from the first year you're an employee. Can't see how this is legal!!

Explore other reviews about Trader Joe's

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent work environment and team.

Cons

Might not be a con for some but the job requires you to spend a lot of time on your feet moving objects so not recommended if you have any injuries or ailments.

4.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great way to meet people, socialize, and learn customer service -Always tasked with different things every hour -Friendly crew who will always help you to learn and get better at your job -Get a slight pay raise every 6 months -No outside commitments and amazing benefits if you work full time (about 28 hours a week for every 6 months) -Will take time, but find your friend group, stay with them and have fun, you can't please everybody -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

Cons

-Not many, unless you are stuck in a bad store with bad management -I had some good luck of working in 3 great stores, so YMMV -Sometimes can get cliquey like you are back in high school -Getting promoted up to store management may involve buttering up and being a "yes-person" -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

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