Working at REI is MUCH different than it appears - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

2.0
23 Jan 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Prodeals- deep discounts from vendors.

Cons

Micromanagers that use intimidation toward employees. There's always the question of "What will this top-level person think of this?" Projects always require approval from top leaders and it slows down processes. There's no trust between upper management and employees. Inauthentic culture. REI strives for "authenticity", but there is a lack of transparency and open door policy. Why else do you think that Reddit disaster happened with that employee ranting on a public board? HR turnover is so high that it's hard to confide in someone in HR who's only worked there for 3 months and doesn't know anything about the company. The passive-aggressive culture also applies to this. Instability. Too many re-organizations within the company where people are let-go left and right. Work/Life Balance is so-so. There's this overly-positive image of REI it portrays that it has an amazing work-life balance. Although most days you start and get off on-time, expect to work non-stop throughout the day with little lunch breaks and occasional extensions in the evenings.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
16 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

3.0
9 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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