American Red Cross Employee Reviews about "red cross"

Pros

There are many compassionate employees here. And the work of the organization is worthwhile on every level. And the very top management is doing what is necessary for the survival of the American Red Cross.

Cons

Unfortunately, at the moment, the work environment is poor. The top management has realized that drastic changes need to be made for the non-profit to survive. Those changes have been implemented at a blistering pace that has resulted in the loss of huge numbers of experienced employees, created gaping chasms in communication, and left most of the front-line employees bewildered as to what is expected of them. The fast pace has also created an environment where playing politics can bring promotion to some that are perhaps ill-equipped to be leaders. Finally, there is no internal promotion structure within the organization as there once was.

Pros

The American Red Cross has a mission focusing on service to others and it's an effective and worthwhile mission. Whether it's helping a family standing in the road who just lost everything in a house fire or setting up a shelter after evacuations, you will know that you are making a difference in the lives of others. Overall, you can tell that employees and volunteers care about the community and want to make sure that good work is being done. You will feel that you are working for a premiere organization and will enjoy the prestige that comes with the name. There are many different kinds of opportunities within the organization and there is something for everyone. The people, staff, volunteer, and clients, will be what drives you to make it to work every day.

Cons

The main challenges at the American Red Cross have to do with finances. Low demand for blood, antiquated systems and ways of doing things, and not sharing the Red Cross story enough all lead to drops in donations and funding. There is little staff to do the work and it falls on the shoulders of volunteers who may or may not be capable of handling it. Volunteers are important but they often do not want to take on all the work that a paid staff member should be doing. No one retires to feel like they have another part-time or full-time job. There is massive attrition by both staff and volunteers. It is great to save money using volunteers but the American Red Cross is looking at making it mostly volunteer led, and staffed, which could turn out disastrously. If you are paid staff, they will expect that you burn the candle at both ends. Most disaster staff I know put in at least 50 hours a week if not more. They are all paid salary so receive no overtime and management usually denies them the ability to use flex time to make up for hours worked over 40. Being on-call or responsive to email at all times is almost a requirement. Basically, there is absolutely NO work-life balance to be had here. You will be looked at as not a team player if you do not want to do this. Salaries are on the low side compared to the expertise, knowledge, and workload expected. Bureaucracy is bad in any large organization and it's not different here. Any idea, change, or program you think of has to be approved by 2 or more other people. There are brand standards that have to be followed and those are sometimes ridiculous. There are too many training that staff and volunteers have to take. I often feel like I am being treated as if I cannot be trusted to just complete a task and volunteers complain to me that they often feel the same way. There does not have to be a classroom or online training for every single thing a person might do in the organization. Treat people like they are smart and capable and watch them blossom!

Pros

The mission of the Red Cross is truly inspiring and it makes the organization a wonderful organization to work for.

Cons

Outdated equipment and technology make it harder for employees to do their jobs and decreases efficiency. In addition, lower salaries discourage the most talented and qualified professionals.

Pros

Very mission oriented. Passionate employees.

Cons

National Red Cross does not care about base level employees and it shows through salaries and lack of promotions

Pros

The organization is very mission driven and passionate about the many ways Red Cross can make an impact in many different places

Cons

Things move slowly and are caught up in a very large, highly bureaucratic system. They pay is rather low, as well.

Pros

Red Cross is a good company to work for and you can go high up in the company quickly

Cons

The pay could be better but you have advantages to make bonuses

Pros

The American Red Cross is a truly dynamic organization and I loved every minute of my job.

Cons

Strong resistance to change in the organizational structure.

Pros

The ladies at the Red Cross were very helpful and nice .I enjoyed working with them and learning how to screen for volunteers

Cons

not enough work to do on occasions

Pros

You will meet some very good honest people at Red Cross who genuinely help others in need. Some good is accomplished.

Cons

The most mismanaged institution. Wasteful spending and management's largest concern is their own advancement and the coercion of volunteers to perform their work.

Pros

The Red Cross is a global organization with a noble mission - to help people whose lives have been impacted by disaster. Working within the chapter setting was a great experience because you are able to get more face to face interaction with the victims of disaster - it is a wonderful feeling to be able to help and comfort those who are facing such difficult challenges. The Red Cross volunteers are great people to work with and the chapters function much like a family unit. The best thing about working for the Red Cross was witnessing how just a little assistance and help can give a family hope when they are faced with disaster.

Cons

The Red Cross Chapers across the United States is where the real impact is made and with little to no help from Red Cross headquarters. The executives at headquarters are change resistent and disingenuous. Programs such as the Hurricane Recovery Program were not planned effectively or carefully. You will be disappointed if you go to work for the Red Cross with dreams of making a difference and being apart of something positive and service-oriented and believing that because it is such a larger organization it will be well run and productive - in many ways the Red Cross is another company with politics that hinder productivity, egos that hinder effectiveness and stubborness that hinders success.