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Guide Dogs for the Blind

Engaged employer

Great mission, toxic work environment - Anonymous employee Guide Dogs for the Blind Employee Review

1.0
7 Mar 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission, it is great to be a part of something that is helping people

Cons

The company culture is really awful. There is a lot of pettiness among employees and not a lot of support or camaraderie. The organization is very sterile and impersonal and there is very low morale among employees. There is a lot of griping and negativity, people are unhappy but seem to feel uncomfortable approaching management so just complain to other employees. Employees are made to feel dispensable and replaceable, and that they should feel honored to have been selected to work here (even though the organization seems to have a very hard time filling open positions, which remain vacant for extended periods of time and increase the workload for everyone else in the department). The CWNT/CWTT are understaffed to the point it is a welfare issue for the dogs (and employees). The residence hall and admin building are fancy and modern, however the facilities for the dogs are in disrepair. The kennels are outdated and create a safety hazard for both dogs and employees- sharp edges, unraveling chain link with sharp loose wires, crumbling concrete, and lots of spaces for dogs to get legs/paws caught.

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Guide Dogs for the Blind Response
9y
Thank you very much for your feedback. Guide Dogs for the Blind is committed to creating a safe, transparent, and collaborative environment for all our employees, so we are very disappointed to hear about your experiences. We value and consider all feedback and we’ll continue to find ways to improve our organization. We would like to address a few of your specific concerns here. GDB is dedicated to creating a culture of safety and has invested in enhancements to our campus as well as new safety policies and procedures. Many of these have been implemented to improve the kennel environment for employees as well as our dogs. As you noted, our new puppy center will further improve our working environment as well as create healthier, more nurturing habitats for mothers and their pups. We plan to continue to improve our existing kennels and hope to replace it with a new facility over time. We have also committed considerable time and resources in creating a more transparent and collaborative culture. Over the past several years, we have increased efforts to train and develop employees at all levels, introduced new feedback mechanisms, and encouraged more open dialogue through communications, all staff meetings, and other mechanisms. However, we fully understand that improving our culture will take a total and ongoing commitment from all levels of our organization. So, if you have additional ideas in this area, we would be more than open to hearing them. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts; we would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation in person if you would like.

Explore other reviews about Guide Dogs for the Blind

5.0
31 May 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible hours, kind and dedicated staff. Inspiring and meaningful mission. I feel safe at work.

Cons

Can’t think of one downside to working with this organization.

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Guide Dogs for the Blind Response
12mo
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience working with Guide Dogs for the Blind! We are so happy that your experience has so strongly aligned with our goals for everyone engaged with our mission and organization. We believe deeply in our organizational values and behaviors, and it’s wonderful to see them shining through! Thank you for being a part of it, and all you do to help support and further our mission.
3.0
25 Apr 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cute dogs, generally friendly coworkers as long as they like you.

Cons

Management plays favorites, and other employees who work with CWTTs ridicule us when they think we can’t hear them.

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Guide Dogs for the Blind Response
1y
We appreciate your feedback and your time and commitment to Guide Dogs for the Blind. We strive to provide multiple avenues for all staff to provide feedback, so that any concerns can be addressed, and hope that you were able to take advantage of this while on staff. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
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