Deseret Book Reviews

Pros

I've worked for Deseret Book twice and have had a great experience. My colleagues are great to work with and have a strong team mentality. My staff is fantastic, and I feel that I can have a strong balance between my work and home life.

Cons

Sometimes it feels that it's hard to find any opportunity for advancement because they are few and far between and many positions are offered to outside applicants before anyone is notified that there was even an open position.

Advice to Senior Management

The retail stores are the front lines and are really the face of the company. So getting their input on important changes to the company is valuable.

Pros

They are fair and treat everyone with a lot of respect. Everyone jokes with each other and they all get along. I haven't heard of anyone having problems in the IT department. We have some perks here and there. They always ask for feedback on what can be done to make it better to work for Deseret Book and if you like it/dislike it. They love getting feedback and they immediately act on feedback in an uplifting way. We all know how to work very hard too. They do not allow swearing and have LDS (Mormon) standards at the workplace. Being Atheist, I felt uncomfortable working there at first, especially since I am ex-Mormon. I felt the need to tell my boss my religious affiliation (none) the first week I was there. He was surprised and really liked it. He was enthusiastic that I chose to work there. They have treated me better than any other place I've worked at before. They are very sensitive to my mood as I have borderline personality disorder (like bipolar disorder). They also do heavy lifting for me or make sure I use a cart if I have to lift because I have spondylitis (rheumatoid arthritis). It's a very caring and very friendly workplace. I look forward to each day I go in. I have only worked there a couple months, but I would love to stay when my internship is done.

Cons

No coffee maker! I feel the need to not talk about some things I would talk about with my friends, but it's not that bothersome. I'm probably better off not talking about it. The lack of parking is the biggest downside. But TRAX has a stop nearby and they have a UTA Eco-pass for employees.

Advice to Senior Management

They are doing a great job! I have heard of some people talk about how compensation could be better. I am fine with my pay. Some people love money I guess. Something to help with parking would be nice, but that is asking a lot.

Pros

Great values and very flexible with time off. They understand that things outside of work take priority. You really feel like the management wants you to be happy.

Cons

I feel like there is little possibility of growing in the company; you need to have a job "up there" already if you want to join the ranks of senior management.

Advice to Senior Management

Maybe offer management courses or training to junior employees. Give them opportunities to be seen by upper-level management. Don't be afraid to explore new concepts as far as movies and music go.

Pros

There are some fun people that I work with who add to the experience. They are very good about giving requested time off.

Cons

The pay is not that great. The hours are very inconsistent. You never know if you'll work at all one week then the next week you work every day.

Advice to Senior Management

Overall, I think the leadership is put together fairly well. I know my regional manager and I like that because it makes me feel like they actually care and want to see us do well.

Pros

Great product, wonderful customers. Uplifting environment, great place to work if you just want to make a little extra money.

Cons

Upper management doesn't seem to care about employees inner company career goals.
Few profit sharing and cash bonuses for success.

Advice to Senior Management

Offer a Manager in Training program to allow employees the chance to start a career.

Pros

Deseret Book is a great place to start your career. It runs with a minimal amount of staff so you get lots of opportunity to develop skills outside of what you know. It has a opportunity to work on a national level and build your portfolio.

Cons

Deseret Book leverages it position with the LDS church to keep salaries low. They sell their employees that because you work for a church owned company you shouldn't make as much as other jobs at similar size companies. This works for many of the people, but the trick is not to believe it and ask for more money.

Advice to Senior Management

According to a person in IT, the leadership thought email would be a waste of time and money in 1992. We laugh at this now, but the leadership makes similar remarks towards emerging technologies like e-books. They are hesitant to embrace emerging trends.

Pros

Great environment in which to work. Positive values are expressed and utilized by employees. The hours of operation at the retail stores are not bad. Flexibility on the "rules," meaning you can help customers in creative ways that keep them coming back.

Cons

Pay is not great. Retail stores have almost all part-timers so there's no benefits because there's no full-time work unless you're the manager.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep producing quality products. Books are what the stores are all about; the crafty items seem to be getting a bit out of control.