Colgate-Palmolive – “Great company that has lost focus on its employees.”

Pros

Colgate truly understands the work-life balance. This is stressed by senior management and true for all employees. Some departments even include programs to work from home. While there may be exceptions during times of go-lives or product launches, management recognizes that we are a toothpaste company and work should not interrupt family life on a daily basis. The benefits package are fair.

Cons

Management's understanding of who is really performing the work and providing the greatest value to to company is often misguided. Promotions are far too political and not based upon merit.

Competition for retaining employees is a challenge due to local competition. Management only views other consumer goods companies as competition for employees, not recognizing that many skills are easily translated to other industries. Despite this, turnover is still relatively low, since it is a good company to work for.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus more on the employees, for it is the employees who make the firm and are its future. Improve efforts to retain employees, including improved internal training, and merit based promotions.