Baker & Taylor Reviews

Pros

In a highly competitive industry, B&T is doing what it can to stay afloat, but often at the expense of their human capital

Cons

No raises in 2012, and a further statement to employees that further cost cuts will be made; will one or more sites be closed as a result?

Advice to Senior Management

While being a private company lessens the need for disclosure in the public domain, this should not extend to keeping your own employees in the dark for long periods of time

Pros

Free advance copy books -- but only if you knew the right people to give you some. Sometimes, a free B movie (advance copy) if you were lucky.

Cons

No communications from top management. Employees learned about stuff through the newspaper. Even middle managers were kept clueless and couldn't answer questions from employees. Huge turnover in many departments and major unhappy employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Communicate. communicate. communicate. communicate. In 10 years on same floor as top management, I think I saw one or two once or twice a year. MBWA (Management by Walking Around)? Epic fail.

Pros

Co-Workers and moments of sheer brilliance when one is allowed to function to full potential

Cons

Moving at the speed of light, which would be a plus except the headlights are off, blindfolds are on and earplugs firmly implanted.

Advice to Senior Management

Review the cons and turn it around 360 degrees.

Pros

Co-workers are great!
Basically work independtly once you learn your job.

Cons

Not enough time off. Vacation time and sick time are earned at extremly low increment.
No raises this year. Not making full time hours.

Pros

Low impact work- not too physically demanding
Good coworkers and a congenial work environment
Not a life or death job
Good flexibility in certain departments and areas

Cons

Poor pay rate
Employees expendable
No motivation to succeed
Raises do not exist
Horrible benefits, getting cheaper by the year

Advice to Senior Management

Invest in technology and in your employees, everyone will be happier for it. Right now, B&T's motto could be "Well, you went with the lowest bidder..."

Pros

Good co-workers
Good for people who like books
Good for folks not looking to advance very far

Cons

Severe lack of communication between corporate entities and groups/departments.
The company invests in a lot of upper management headcount, but gives little relief to the people doing the day-to-day functions that keep the company going.
Horizontal structure makes it nearly impossible to advance.
Raises are also non-existent.

Advice to Senior Management

Workload expectations are near impossible sometimes. Please pay attention to the people in lower level positions. They are a valuable asset to the company, not disposable drones.

Pros

The only best thing to work here is decent salary.

Cons

No growth. Remote location. No work-life balance. Less vacation period.

Advice to Senior Management

Open chances for career growth.

Pros

It can be a fun place to work at times. Management doesn't hover over your shoulder every minute. You are left alone to do your job, and they only say something if you screw up something big.

Cons

The drama with some of the coworkers. Rumors spread like wildfire. Feels like you do more work than what you get paid for. Can be quite dusty and dirty most of the time.

Advice to Senior Management

Recognize those that do a good job more. People react well to compliments. Don't try to fix something if it's not broken. Listen to input more from those who actually do the job.

Pros

my boss is very friendly and hands on . My schedule is flexible and I have plenty of time for a personal life.

Cons

I dont feel the Reps get any chance of promotions.

Advice to Senior Management

Pleas look in your lower ranks for your next leadership role.

Pros

flexibility of schedule, support of management, work changes often. Allowed freedom to work my own hours.

Cons

pay is a bit low, a bit of miscommunication between B&T and stores at times

Advice to Senior Management

pay raises would be great. More hands on communication from management. shipping info on website would be very helpful to plan work week.