Stanley Works Reviews

Pros

Not a bad environment to work in. Factory was improving, offices were nice.

Cons

High turnover. Management seems to replace everyone every couple years.

Advice to Senior Management

Some listened, key ones didn't. Often listening = frustration for those that did because eventually you hit a blocker that didn't.

Pros

no shortage of interesting work
fair compensation

Cons

promotions favor legacy Stanley over Black&Decker
toxic overly competitive culture
focus on working capital at expense of other measures

Pros

A Fortune 500 company
Name Recognition

Cons

Grow is primarily acomplished by acquisitions.

Organic growth is very limited.

Lack of resources (technology & people)

Expect to wear a lot of hats. There is always lots of work with little to no help. The majority of resources are spent on acquisitions.

Most tire of the inadequate work and family balance.

Forecast expectations trump all issues.

Forecast expectations increase year over year. Additional heads are rarely added to support the growth.

Compensation decreases year over year as you are more challenge to meet your target.

If you exceed expectations prepare to be penalized. Your target has been raised , Now add 15% more for growth.

Most business decisions are made by the finance team compensation has regurlary been pruned as a result.

Advice to Senior Management

Stanley has the potential to be the best!

"Make Something Great"

Invest in your existing companies! Invest in your people!

Pros

Profit sharing and stock purchasing benefits.

Cons

High turnover. Constant stress. New jobs are not posted as they open - most job advancements are made by contacts not through applying for the job and interviewing.

Advice to Senior Management

You need to value your older employees and your female employees. Don't dismiss them just because of age and/or sex.

Pros

Category Leader among most major divisions.

A lot of cash on hand.

Cons

They can't efficiently bring a new product to market

With the acquisition of Black and Decker they are too consumer focused.

Advice to Senior Management

Take a more active role in field support.

Pros

opportunities for advancement exist and lot's of work to go around which keeps things interesting. have to be able to manage multiple projects

Cons

long hours including weekends often required, high stress environment and high turnover with employees. very structured environment difficult when differences between manager exist.

Advice to Senior Management

long hours including weekends often required, high stress environment and high turnover with employees. very structured environment difficult when differences between manager exist.

Pros

Good people, clear vision and direction

Cons

We are in a constant state of flux

Advice to Senior Management

None

Pros

Upward mobility - promoted four times in seven years.

Cons

Quarterly driven company, can appear to be arrogant at times due to retail brand strength.

Advice to Senior Management

Enjoy your stock options.

Pros

Pride in products
An entrepreneurial atmosphere where you can make a difference
A lot of great people who you can learn from.

Cons

Benefits are lower than comparable employers, especially with regards to retirement
You must be willing to work very hard. Individual managers understand the importance of flexibility, while the official HR policies are very strict and not communicated well. People who were having children were told they must take 'time off without pay or health benefits" While it turned out to be false, communication from HR is minimal.

Advice to Senior Management

Share the wealth, give the same security of retirement that your Senior Management gave you.

Pros

Stanley offers wonderful benefits for employees. The management is also willing to give time off when needed for family issues. There is also educational benefits for employees and their children through scholarships. The company seems to be run well and also has a good code of conduct wanting business to be conducted with integrity and honesty.

Cons

Some of the employees have not been trained in all area of the work done. This poses some problems and miscommunication at times because those in higher positions don't understand the day to day issues of employees. Most of the time it is worked through but there is still some misunderstandings about how work is actually done in the field.

Advice to Senior Management

Learn all aspects of what your employees are doing. Work a day with them and see the issues they face.