Carlson Companies Reviews

Pros

Flexability with work life and family.

Cons

They are getting smaller and smaller.

Pros

Some managers are very good, I've been fortunate to have several great ones.
Work/life balance is a top priority
In certain departments, employees seem happy
Laid back and flexible

Cons

Leadership in some departments upper level management is lacking - too much consensus building and not enough direct and strong leadership
There seems to be a lot of turn over among the rank and file and people leaving the organization
The general moral within the office is low - people don't appear to be having fun any more
Employee costs of benefits have been rising significantly
Too much red tape and politics makes the company very slow to respond to new ideas, thoughts, and ways of doing business

Advice to Senior Management

Upper management in some departments is in desperate need of new ideas and new management styles which may necessitate some house cleaning. Otherwise things will never change and Carlson's growing reputation as a mediocre place to work will continue, particularly in the Minneapolis area. The directors and VPs in certain departments have been the same for the past decade. The politics and territoriality has to stop. Too much emphasis placed on "not getting blamed" rather than doing what's right for the customer.

Pros

Employee benefits are average to above average.

Cons

Upper management turnover. Unhappy employees. Lack of communication between departments.

Advice to Senior Management

Upper management turnover is a bad sign. High number of contractors shows lack of commitment. Montly company status meetings just shows that the Carlson boar is without a rudder/direction.

Pros

There is less beurocracy for an enterprise of its size. There is also a somewhat casual and laid back tone.

Cons

lack of strategic direction during tough economic times and there is a lack of transparency with regard to company performance

Advice to Senior Management

A clear consistent strategy needs to be communicated down the ranks and work effort needs to be aligned with that across all business units

Pros

The organization is passionate about community involvement. Marilyn Carlson does amazing things also to fight trafficing of young girls globally, relaxed culture, hospitality is fun.

Cons

No upward mobility, don't stick to one strategy. It is constantly changing every few months, currently only hiring/promoting people that are international

Pros

Carlson Companies gives you the opportunity to be creative.

Cons

Management tends to do a lot of knee jerk reactions to issues.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop all the knee jerk reactions to issues that will correct themselves.

Pros

While they still focoused on profits as a private company they were not accountable to large shareholders. This allow great flexibiltiy in top management direction

Cons

While they speak highly of how they are attentive to the needs of the employees they do not communicate with them or support them as much as they could.

Advice to Senior Management

When I first started with Carlson, I was impressed with the mission and direction of the company. I left Carlson because not all of the senior or regional staff support the mission or the team members efforts.

Pros

cmw has a nice group of employees and overall it's a great place to make friends if that is your objective. There is a 'team meeting or party' every other day! It's great if you don't have a life but not so great if you do have a life.

Cons

One of the downsides is the incompetence of it's employee's nationwide. cmw also promotes employees who do not deserve to move up the ladder due to lack of intelligence. more specifically, these employees 'appear' not to use logic to solve simplistic issues.

Advice to Senior Management

Management should adhere to stricter guidelines when hiring employees even if it adds to the hiring process.

Pros

Excellent communication with peers and management., Contractors were treated very well. I loved the business culture of their communication and great cafeteria

Cons

difficult for contractors to become full time employees

Advice to Senior Management

Make it easier for contractors that perform very well to be hired

Pros

Great place for people that don't have extensive education but work hard.

Cons

Tenure is extremely important and 25 year veterans are abundant.

Advice to Senior Management

Define a long-term strategy for the business that is more forward looking.