ZOLL Data Systems Reviews

If I could give ZERO stars I would. I'm not sure if the contempt, the disgust, and the anger that I feel for this company and its toxic management team will ever leave me, but felt a pressing responsibility to warn others on the fence (whether they're on their way in or out) so that they might be spared the same type of abuse and exploitation that I experienced. So let's dive in... Initially I was completely enamored when offered the position at ZOLL Data. From all outward appearances what's not to like? They're a larger company with the ability to pay their employees fairly well, pictures of happy-looking staff laughing and smiling at office gatherings grace their social media, and their age old motto that they "save lives." I had no idea what awaited me on the other side. That something very ominous was lurking beneath the surface. Whether they admit it or not, there's a very dark underbelly that absolutely exists at this place. It's no secret that the data division would very likely not even be around at this point had it not been for the more stable, more successful medical division on the east coast whom they've relied on each time they get into trouble. The insane level of bureaucracy slows and often prevents quality innovation from the engineers and R&D, inevitably resulting in subpar and often overpriced products for the customers. I was in the trenches every single day with these customers. I knew what kind of problems they were having, what the issues were, why they had gripes, and can speak on it clearly and concisely. It's also no secret that the turnover here is absolutely astounding. The retention rates are so bad that they had to devise an entire internal program to deal with their issue of not being able to keep people around for very long. During my tenure there alone, I lost count of how many of my colleagues just seemed to mysteriously vanish. Not just new employees either. People with years of loyal service and across all departments would suddenly just jump ship, never to be seen or heard from again. The executive team can skew the numbers any way they like, but anyone who spends a significant amount of time at ZOLL will start to develop a sense of what's really going on. Little by little and layer after dysfunctional layer the true nature of this company will slowly reveal itself. Ladies and gentlemen - welcome to the dark side of ZOLL Data Systems Broomfield. Nepotism. Bureaucracy. Intimidation tactics aimed at employees. Egotistical long tenured staff. Abusive treatment by management. I could go on...and on...and on. An inept HR team worships at the CFO's altar. I always thought it was weird that HR at this place is entirely under the purview and direction of the CFO. One can only assume the obvious - for purposes of control. The executive team and their big egos freely run wild. You'll learn quickly to regard them as de facto "mini gods." Don't like what they're saying? Well too bad because anything other than an immediate 'yes' to what they ask is unacceptable. As an employee they want you to keep your mouth shut, head down, and forced enthusiasm coming. But don't take my word for it. Spend enough time at this place and you'll see exactly what I'm referring to. Before long you'll find yourself exhausted and overworked, patronized by your superiors, and constantly checking your PTO balance to see when you can escape the snake's den next. I've never in my life been done so dirty by a company. Practice your fake excited face for each and every directive that comes down the pipe. You're gonna need it. If you've signed that acceptance letter, plan for the following: - endless mind games and backstabbing by your peers (this is a learned behavior unique to ZOLL. Read on to see why...) - ZERO work/life balance - to have your ideas stolen while someone else takes the credit - to be talked to like a toddler - to stroke the ego of those above you if you wish to remain employed - for colleagues and management to talk nice to your face, but trash you behind closed doors - never ending claims the company "saves lives" that become so tired and stale it's comatose - to have a target on your back if you stand out in any way from the crowd via high performance, honest feedback, or simply because someone above doesn't like you - to have them impose additional mandatory work on you if you meet or exceed their KPI's - a narcissistic CFO - a stress level so high that it endangers your physical and mental health - ineffective and senseless processes and procedures - contradictory directives from management - executives that emulate through mere body language that they are unapproachable - no streamlined communication between departments further exacerbating chaos and confusion - Friday afternoon team building that's so awkward and tense it'll make you cringe - for them to invent things to reprimand you about despite performing your work - to work every day including weekends and holidays. Literally. Every day. - to encounter people that have obviously been there way, WAY too long - to have no true support or encouragement from management - to have your department's entire focus and direction shift on a dime all in the name of top level "business decisions" - zero opportunities to cross-train or facilitate professional growth - clique-driven mentality - to be undervalued and underappreciated - internal processes that move at a sloths pace It became apparent to me at a certain point that the name of the game here (especially in the finance department) seems to be that whoever can exert the most influence by way of manipulation and stepping on the backs of others - wins. Who can low-key trash their co-workers the best. Who can throw people under the bus without hesitation. It will be a test of your mental limits and ability to endure mistreatment more than it will ever be a test of your professional skills. Good luck and godspeed if you don't know anyone. Those who advance up the ranks do so based on who they know and who they've run over, rather than genuine skill set or merit. As a result the culture is rotten from the inside out. Ultimately ZOLL is factory-like in the way they operate. They'll use you up, exploit you and your skills however they can, then spit you out. I still experience PTSD to this day from my time there. One of the main problems is that ZOLL as a company has an inability to look inward at itself. They don't listen to their employees. Beware if you share honest feedback that goes against the grain. It will surely be used as ammunition later. Get comfortable walking on eggshells. And if by some miracle you successfully navigate through all the issues above, strap in because you've still got a long and difficult road ahead. Be prepared to work yourself into the ground. I hope you've selected a quality health plan. Finance in particular gets no kudos at all for their work. Your inbox will be bombarded all day long with emails praising the sales executives, all the while your work will remain ignored. Nevermind how you've sacrificed and neglected your home/personal life in the name of work, we have another won deal alert! Expect up to 20 or more of these per day. It's no wonder that the morale in this department specifically is secretly flatlined. You start asking yourself is it worth it? Is it worth my hands swelling after work each day because I was trying to appease my boss and further the department's ends? Is it worth the panic attacks and sleepless nights? No job is. Even with a promotion and different title designation, nothing changed. If anything the abuse and jedi mind tricks intensified. ZOLL is a large company with a well-known reputation within the industry. However don't be fooled with all of their empty promises of everything they claim to bring to the table. At a certain point I found it to be nothing more than a psychological chess game that only brought misery and suffering to the table. Their mission of directly supporting fire and EMS agencies is noble, granted. But they will never fix the problems that plague them until they take a serious look at themselves and who they have running the show. There are better companies with better leaders and better personnel out there. My best advice to someone considering joining them is DON'T. If you do decide to join them make sure and pack a parachute as a contingency. Brace yourself and avoid the rumor mill. Shut down conversation attempts by people who seem off or too friendly for no apparent reason. Document everything. Protect yourself and hope for the best. Good luck. In conclusion I don't see this place changing a thing, regardless of how they re-brand or claim they've 'reinvented' themselves. As long as the toxic leadership remains, so will the toxic culture and revolving door of staff. My only regret is not seeing the red flags and not realizing this sooner. Despite everything that happened though, at the end of the day I am unbelievably happy to have left this company in my rear view. Choose wisely and carefully friends.