There are far too many rogue managers at many levels that create negative work environments. Their behaviors and performance are tolerated and often ignored for far too long. The work environment becomes toxic for the employees usually who interact the most with our valued customers. I have witnessed behaviors where managers could have been easily accused of job discrimination and a risk to the company on matters such as maternity and promotion, short term disability accomadation and so on. The benefits have diminished in coverage and co pays, premiums and employee out of pockets have increased greatly. The ability to accrue benefits and paid time off has become less obtainable. Nordstrom used to be a company where you could make it your one stable full time job. Far too many are working multiple job, because of their reigning in on hours with the consequence of poorer customer service. They are constantly changing not enhancing processes far too often without input from the frontline sales associates. It is of my opinion that there is a disproportionate difference between salespersons annual earnings and the earnings and benefits of folks of middle to upper leadership. It was very evident to many frontline employees this year that the direction our company will go in the future will still rely on people, but will be much more like a self check out lane. Many feel there is too much focus on expanding internet, which is a sign of the times, but makes personal touch less relevant. Rational or not, employees have fear that they hours will be sparce . Thus why so many already have to supplement their income as one person with multiple jobs.
If you are going to work at Nordstrom, like many other retailers, do not expect to have many windows of time for vacation. There are far too many "black out" periods where you don't have the opportunity to balance work and life. Don't plan on having flexibility around holidays esp. Christmas for a special day off for a holiday party. No requests. So you have to just get lucky and hope you get a day off where you can see the rest of the world. Same during summer with our annual anniversary sale. This is an exciting and often very tense time, where much is sacrificed and sometimes what you give up in sales prior to, does not even out what you sell during event.
So maybe in February you can plan a family reunion.