Safeway Reviews in Pleasanton, CA

I worked at Safeway

Pros – employee discount, comardorie, decent salary, work/life balance, flex work schedule, good training, good equipment to work with, easy access location

Cons – no bonus or salary increases in years. lack of top down communication on company concerns/issues, IT support is lousy, must wear shirt and tie at HQ

I have been working at Safeway

Pros – Work-life balance, wellness programs, and nice co-workers.

Cons – A highly political, top-down culture. Open communication, courage and integrity are given lip-service by at least some in upper-management.

Advice to Senior Management – Guard against self-serving smile-up, kick-down leaders and a cover-your-rear culture. Promote true leadership and risk-taking.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Safeway

Pros – It is a big company with a lot of clout with their vendors. Your annual doctor visits for routine preventative care is 100% paid for. You can get a new pair of glasses every year. Challenging work.

Cons – There seems to be a pattern of annual downsizing every January for the past five years. Safeway doesn't have a policy to try to hire from within. As a result when outsiders enter the company they tend to bring with them the people they know and use to work with. There is also a wage freeze every couple of years. There is no 401K matching, in order to get reduced health care premiums you must subject yourself to testing and pass: weight/BMI, nicotine, blood glucos, cholesteral, blood pressure. All good tests, but I don't like my employer having this information.

Advice to Senior Management – Start a policy to hire people from within the company so that there is a better path for career advancement. The organizational culture is always changing at Safeway because of the influence of outside people entering the company.

I have been working at Safeway

Pros – Good job if you just need a job or experience.

Cons – For drivers,when seeking other employment,experience and qualification verification is cruical. Safeway uses a company called ''the work number" to verify employment which charges possible employers for verification information and the HR department will ignore contact from potential employers. Some companies have policies against using sites who charge for info, so if they do, you will be passed over for a position you may be qualified for because they cannot verify your employment.

Advice to Senior Management – This policy regarding employment verification is extremely bad and the HR department flat ignoring people is disrespectful.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Safeway

Pros – - Corp. HQ @ beautiful location
- Fitness Center

Cons – - Cronyismm at its best.
1) Quick advancement and "protection" when family members are at top-level positions - (i.e. through mother/father at exec-levels, married to someone at management level, best friends with top-level mgmt or HR, etc.) aka "golden empty suits". It's no longer achievement through merit alone - academically or professionally - in being recognized/appreciated or even supported.

2) (Especially if you are not well connected) your staff and coworkers will not respect nor listen to you, unless you have the backing from these "golden empty suits". Very political!

3) If you are not aligned with your manager's thoughts, objectives, views, etc. you will be ignored, shunned, ousted (at the mildest sense). If you still "own your thoughts and opinions" and not yet conformed with your manager's values/views, do expect to be "squeezed" out of a job. She will make it VERY difficult for you to work there! "You and your opinions/values are not appreciated nor considered - just agree and follow whatever they think"

4) Expect to be "re-programmed", if you want to be "happy" and last there.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Safeway

Pros – Stable company with mostly established reporting processes. Some of the senior managers are very passionate and do a good job of inspiring their teams.

Cons – The people you work with can really make or break your satisfaction quotient at work. Unfortunately, in most of the business groups and teams at Safeway you will be hard pressed to recieve any words of appreciation. Very heirarchical.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Safeway

Pros – I've had a great run at SWY. Been a great place to work, advancement opportunities are competitive, but attainable due to growth.

Cons – The only downside is the industry is not the sexiest choice, but work is work after all, but food retail is not Hollywood.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Safeway

Pros – Fun People, Good Projects, Work Life Balance

Cons – Too much politics; Will not stick to one strategy

I worked at Safeway

Pros – Steady employment and a focus on sales and market share. The company health plan has a focus on healthy living.

Cons – Management has not kept up with current times. The technology is 20 years old and the time to train new employees is considerably higher than other grocery retailers.

Advice to Senior Management – Update technology that is 20 years old. Provide leadership that encourages fresh ideas and social media rather than trying to stop it.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Safeway

Pros – Stable company
Free gym for employees and their spouses
You don't need to work long hours (the parking lot is practically empty by 5:30pm every night)
You don't necessarily have to have a degree to be promoted
10% discount on Safeway branded items

Cons – There are more out-of-pocket costs for medical benefits every year
Salaries are not competitive
Lack of communication from senior management
Lack of career pathing in most departments
A lot of nepotism
Very hierarchical
Very conservative company
Dress code - shirt & tie for men Mon-Thus and you can't wear jeans any day of the week