Time Warner Reviews in New York City, NY Area

Pros

It is stable company, even though there were some layoffs in last few years it was not significant. Benefits are above average compared to other companies. Good work life balance programs and internal learning opportunities.

Cons

Career growth is hard to come by. Many people have worked over 15-20 years and company has been shrinking in the past few years. At Corporate there are not many opportunities for career advancement.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus on growing business rather than trying to cost by being penny wise.

Don't think everything you read on Wall Street Journal applies to Time Warner. This causes significant wastage work effort on employees part.

Pros

Location - Columbus Circle (conveniently located near subways, restaurants, gym and Whole Foods in building);
Unlimited Sick Days
Decent work ours

Cons

Lack of career advancement opportunities (both promotional and lateral)
Even though there is an internal mobility program, other divisions not willing to consider candidates from "corporate"
Upper management extremely unqualified
Annual reviews are not taken seriously by upper management

Advice to Senior Management

Compensation packages need to improve (as compared to market), too many health benefits/pension cutbacks. Need to invest in professional development of its people.

Pros

I had a very good insurance plan and a good amount of vacation days.

Cons

There is a lack of communication between higher ups and senior management, so things get lost in translation to the rest of the team, therefore wasting time, effort and money. Some of the higher up editors (above senior level) have been their forever and don't seem to be afraid of losing jobs. This level of management has very stale ideas, and without a doubt, heavily sides with those who suck up to and 'yes' all of their ideas. It is held against you if you disagree, you can see it in the treatment of people who do.

Advice to Senior Management

The higher ups, ie executive editors, etc could really do with some new blood. And less sucking up to them, would create a much more comfortable environment. You can see that the senior editors don't need to be sucked up to, but for some reason their bosses do. It's tiring and gets old.

Pros

Great benefits, nice people to work with and very interesting work.

Cons

Nepotism runs rampant. In one case, during the recession layoff in 08 an entire deparment was eliminated - one person did not lose his/her job, in fact another position was created just for to keep them employed because they are best friends withe the SVP. Like I said, if you don't have a personal relationship with someone in upper level management, don't unpack.

Advice to Senior Management

Pay attention to those who are kept on the payroll for personal reasons but do nothing for the company - coming in late, leaving early, and 3 hour lunches are not conducive to productivity and MORAL SUFFERS. Hard word doesn't pay.

Pros

Great atmosphere to work. Management seems to know what it's doing and communicates that message well with employees at the company. Benefits are strong.

Cons

Communication from top to bottom could be better.

Advice to Senior Management

More transparency.

Pros

Great benefits, competitive salary, great magazines.

Cons

You can't have a life outside of work if you want to move up the ranks. Expect to work 60+ hours with no overtime or appreciation. It's simply expected. Limited diversity at the top.

Advice to Senior Management

More life/work balance is needed.

Pros

The people are very friendly and intelligent. There is a strong sense of collegiality. Senior managment for the most part are strong communicators who can inspire people around them.

Cons

The recent economic issues have wrecked havoc on advertising sales which has typcially brought in a substantial part of the companies profits. This has resulted in much tightening of the belts and layoffs etc...

Advice to Senior Management

After a certain level, career grwoth for certain specialist functions is limited. There is really no where to go for more growth or responsibility except to leave the company for other opportunities or wait for the other members in your group to attrite.

Pros

Very large company so the benefits are great. Lots of perks such as discounts, etc. Time Inc. University is a very cool idea - classes and lectures given by top people at the company. I learned a lot by attending.

Cons

Very large company so it can be hard to navigate at first. Once you get the hang of it though, it's a nice place to work.

Advice to Senior Management

Enjoyed my time here and I really liked the Time Inc. University - keep it up!

Pros

It's a great place to work in an awesome location, 58th and 8th in Manhattan. The building is brand new and the cafeteria is amazing as far as work cafeterias go. Great name recognition around the world. Proud to work here.

Cons

I feel like there are not enough events planned for New York Employees. The headquarters in Atlanta seems to get most of it. The security staff either needs to be paid more or trained more. They seem to lack enthusiasm for their jobs.

Advice to Senior Management

Also would be better if the yearly employee assessments were conducted by HR instead of division managers just to keep it more impartial.

Pros

Its a major media company and looks good for your resume. If you live in NYC, it provides an easy commute. Time hires very bright individuals

Cons

While hiring people mostly from name brand schools, many individuals are not in a position to fully contribute due to a highly political and competitive environment. work/life balance is poor and if you drop out of the "in" crowd, your voice becomes invisible - even if you put forth good ideas.

Management does not communicate well to the masses.

Advice to Senior Management

none.