Mattel – “Fulfilling place to work, but you may be stepped on by pink-heeled ruthless corporate ladder-climbers”

Pros

-Mattel is full of talented and inspired people and peers.
-Working on their product and brands is fulfilling.
-Your success will really depend on your manager, who will either make you or break you.
-You need a strong manager because she will be your voice in this hierarchical corporate culture
-Great benefits, including childcare facility, gym, and 1/2 day Fridays

Cons

-Company preaches "work-life balance" but in order to be Top performer, you must spend many many after-hours at work on a constant, daily basis. These hours more than cover for the hours you are getting off on Fridays.
-Upper Management and Sr Management has no clue on how to retain their talent pool.
-The wrong people get promoted and recognized. These people are unqualified for the job, but they are in the "club."
-HR will appear like they care for you, but they don't want to be bothered with issues. They will make the situation worse.
-Mattel restructures its staff often--as frequently as 2 times a year. If you are due for a promotion, you will have to reprove yourself to your new management. You will feel like you are starting from scratch...again.

Advice to Senior Management

When talent starts abandoning ship, it's time to open up your eyes.