Notice a trend? Poor reviews followed by HR replying, “that’s inaccurate”, despite 95% of reviews having identical messages. So, what has changed at FSNS since 2010? Not much. For starters, most of the positive reviews regarding FSNS you see were written by management. They were instructed by corporate to do so and has been pointed out by others. The main reason employees stay longer than 6 months is because they cannot find employment elsewhere.
Pay is laughable across all levels. High responsibility and workload for fast food level pay. Starting pay is $13-14 an hour for a college graduate with 4-year degree, ~$26,000 a year before tax. *Notice even the positive reviews mention low pay*
Raises are a joke. You can work here 3 years and make $3 more per hour than when you were hired. ~$32,000/year.
Chronically understaffed across all shifts and departments. By far the biggest issue with working here. This isn't due to lack of employees either.
Constantly behind on work due to improper staffing. (corporate policy of “Tests per Person” which was never attainable during my 4 years at FSNS) They will work you into the ground while you do the job of two people, and then have the audacity to ask why people have overtime.
If someone calls in, they are rarely replaced. That means extra work that day and staying late.
Long hours - 12+ hour days with no lunch break is common.
Overnight shifts earn the same pay as day shift. The CEO refuses to change this policy.
Salary workers are heavily exploited. 65+ hour weeks are common and encouraged. I have personally heard the lab manager tell a salary employee that they are expected to work AT LEAST 55 hours a week.
Turnover rate is bad.
No weekends/holidays off – usually. This can be expected though as this is how food safety labs work in general. Still, something to consider, however.
No work/life balance.
No regular shifts – again should be expected with this line of work
Your shift can and will change frequently due to turnover rate.
Benefits are some of the worst I have seen in a professional setting. Seriously.
Someone in the lab I worked at developed asthma from lack of ventilation from the chemicals that are used to make media.
‘Open door policy’ backfires frequently.
Company loves to nickel and dime and went as far as locking the thermostat box because we were wasting too much money on being comfortable. Look up the FSNS lawsuit about refusing to pay their employees overtime.
The best joke I have ever heard is that FSNS strives to create a culture that values and appreciates their employees.
