Follett Reviews

Pros

I worked at a university for most of my time. I liked it when they left me alone and let me get stuff done.

Cons

I was there for 4 store managers. One was good two bad and one that blew. I was a college student at the time so I had little power but the three managers that were bad were so dumb.

Pros

The employees at Follett are friendly, creative and truely dedicated to providing the absolute best service to those in educational community. Our customer and markets are terrific and unlike working with customer in many other types of businesses.

Cons

Follett is a family run business and opportunities for real advancement are restrictive. In fighting between divisions has created a distrust and competition between Follett companies. While some management personnel are dedicated to company growth, too many others are focused how they can personally benefit from the company. Not a good trait to have in a leadership position.

Advice to Senior Management

Follett is a old company with lots of old problems. Things won't change over night and steps toward improvement have been made. Improving the compensation and mapping out opportunities for career growth could improve and motivate employees. Empowering employees with more decision control surronding there responsiblilites big or small would improve productivity and morale. Shedding lackluster middle management could also be the change up to breath fresh life into struggling areas.

Pros

Good work life balance. Decent pay. Good flexibility with work hours if you don't work in the warehouse.

Cons

The management are clueless. Employee moral as deminished. Job security is questionable with more and more schools going to digital media. Limited to no chance of promotions or raises even with work well done.

Pros

At one point in time this was an OK company to work for. The benefits are good. There is a cafeteria on site but only open until 2.

Cons

The company is struggling with declining sales. Instead of cutting the fat in middle management, they are firing line staff. Every office with a door is filled while at least half of the cubicles sit empty. Talent is walking out the door. The Follett legacy is dying with this generation of Folletts.

Advice to Senior Management

There are so many ways you can save money. You are totally out of touch with your business. Sit down and speak to your employees - not your managers, but your employees. Quit managing by intimidation. You have workforce living in fear - Don't treat your employees like this. The founder of the company would be ashamed at you for what is happening. Preserve the legacy with integrity, not with bullying.

Pros

Family orientated mangement, Independant work site management, Exceptional vision toward the future

Cons

Some tight deadlines, System upgrades not always released at the best time

Advice to Senior Management

Appreciate all those that support your job

Pros

Watching the growth of the people and the new ideas that the company creates.

Cons

Raises are not good enough for the amount of work that a lot of us have to do. Some of us have huge hearts for our job. Higher management doesn't see the "day to day" like we do.

Advice to Senior Management

Do not mix friendship. It makes the workplace very hard.

Pros

easy to get, a lot of work available

Cons

very low pay rate compared to similar jobs

Advice to Senior Management

hire quality people and raise the compensation

Pros

Flexible work hours, primarily part time positions available, primarily laid-back atmosphere. Also, absolutely anyone could get a job there, although whether that's a negative or positive concept I remain unsure!

Cons

The wide range of employees, particularly temps, can provide a very challenging work environment, particularly at the busy times of year when half or more of the employees are temps with little job training or experience. The in-store management also leaves something to be desired, as they tend to get caught up in office politics and not keeps their associates well-being in mind.

Advice to Senior Management

The hiring of temps should be a more heavily reviewed process, as these employees provide the face of the organization during the most important parts of the year. Store management policies perhaps need to be monitored more closely by the main office, to ensure health/safety/employee safety.

Pros

nice location and the "working Joes" are good people

Cons

promotions are given more for personality than ability, you aren't a person - you are an employee, the climate just isn't friendly...best thing that happened was leaving

Advice to Senior Management

Give credit where credit is due....

Pros

This company is the best I have ever worked at in my 30 years in sales. Although technically I buy books, this is a sales position. Follett is a fair company, with great management that really cares about it's employees. I have never regretted the decision to work for them. Feedback flows from the top directly to the bottom directly; very common to receive personal emails from the VP of Sales or President of the company praising specific achievements and accomplishments. Follett encourages the use of Follett Values Cards between it's employees, peers and management. They recognize such things as how you treat customers, accountability, teamwork, innovation, integrity and how each and every associate is an integral part of the company.

Cons

The only downside I can think of is that the industry is changing and I don't foresee schools using textbooks in the same capacity in the next 10 years. I'm sure as we evolve, there could be a place for me in another division, but I hate the thought of not having this position.

Advice to Senior Management

There is nothing I could offer that could improve the leadership at FES.