Very behind the curve with operational systems, processes and Management philosophy. Having worked with many other Fortune 1000 organizations over the past 20 years, it was striking how unique the culture is at GWF and Empower. They have traditionally promoted internal employees based on tenure and commitment to the organization. 80-90% of Sr. Manager, Directors and VPs have spent their entire career at Great West, now Empower. This has created a culture that is both resistant to new ideas/tech/ways of doing things, as well as fostering a very antiquated expectation that employees should punch the clock early, always be at their desk, and stay well past standard business hours in order to gauge their worth and contribution. It is extremely competitive for those few people willing to work 80 hours a week to possibly earn a promotion where even longer hours are expected. In 2019, the Implementation department has a standard desktop OS of Microsoft Office 07....they have multiple half-baked, back end systems that are continually malfunctioning, and require constant troubleshooting and support. The majority of Leadership (at least in the Implementation department) is average, to sub-par, and every Sr. Manager, Director, and VP has literally no other functional or leadership experience outside of the Great West bubble. If you are seeking an entry-level or early mid-level position, it is a great company. Above that threshold, you will likely be disappointed.
