Pros
The evolution of SanMar is one that some will say was necessary, while others will call heartbreaking. I fall into the latter category. Under the guise of necessary growth, the inevitability of change, and the drumbeat of innovation, the heart and soul of Marty’s company that cares for all its people —internal and external — is getting lost in the noise of flashy “business.” When I first started at SanMar, I told everyone I had hit the jackpot. It was a thriving powerhouse of a company that never lost sight of what really mattered: kindness and listening. Over the course of my years, a shift happened, where it felt there was a prioritization of business growth instead of thoughtful relationships. Though it’s naive not to recognize business-is-business and tough decisions need to be made…for a company that waves a flag of “business is personal” that phrase has begun to ring hollow for many within the walls. In the end, I left with deep sadness. At one time, I bragged to everyone I knew that I worked for a company who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. It was heartbreaking to recognize that sentiment somehow became lost in the shuffle of “business.” I know, anecdotally, a fair number of individuals have tried to speak to a variety of leaders, as well as HR, regarding the loss of culture. So either they are unsure how to repair, or there is a lack of prioritizing it. Either way, attempts have been made to communicate the pain a lot of people are in, with not a lot of genuine effort to make people feel they are heard. Change is necessary. You can blame COVID. You can blame remote work. You can blame the necessity of evolving. Business can be personal. Being nice is a daily, actionable, choice.
Cons
The messages shared in efforts to recruit, such as "People over profits," may not be how individuals within the organization actually feel.
