Not keeping up with an evolving workforce
Pros
The people -- a lot of the employees here are good, caring people. The benefits are solid, although increasing in out of pocket cost. The pay is decent although less than others in the industry. Professional development (tuition reimbursement, internal development coursework, etc). They have a variety of locations throughout their service territory (Portland, Tualatin, Salem, Gresham, Beaverton, etc). Ability to have multiple careers without leaving the company if you play your cards right. Interesting things are happening within the utility space (climate change, renewable power, electric vehicles, potential for deregulation, etc).
Cons
Not flexible with regard to schedules or working from home -- most employees are not allowed to work from home/outside the office (managers believe they have to see you every day). Not flexible with regard to family friendly schedules (working condensed work weeks, reduced hours, etc). There is an overwhelming amount of change taking place with poor leadership to navigate it. Many people have been promoted into leadership positions when they do not possess the skills. Poor performers and poor managers are allowed to remain in their positions despite repeated complaints to higher level management, HR representatives, Ethics, etc. The executive leadership is not aligned, rigid, old-school, and out of touch with employees. The company values are lip service to an extent. There is a lack of trust between leadership and employees. They are a regulated monopoly and as such move slowly. Employee satisfaction continues to decrease and strong employees are leaving the company as the economy improves. There is a large percentage of the workforce that is retired on the job and riding out the next few years until they retire.
