Farnell Global Reviews

Pros

I worked with a good team that was driven. Got to work from home 1 day a week... honestly loved the job,

Cons

Layoffs after CEO was fired.

Pros

* Good compensation package * Solid benefits * Convenient location in the city but not in the loop * Most mid- level and above employees get offices

Cons

As long as you can keep your head down, mouth shut, and mindlessly do what told - no matter how little sense it makes or is not within your role - you'll do fine. If you have the ability to think and enjoy a challenge in your work, avoid Premier Farnell. It's very top-down (and heavy) Management choosing to react rashly to issues/concerns rather than even brief analysis of options. * micro management - even my manager is micro-managed and his manager as well! * essentially a culture of 'fear' where the real motivation for most people is to not be let go Benefits... or... lack of... * Tuition reimbursement: promised at time of hire and technically an active program but there are no funds for it so no ability to get reimbursed * Annual bonus: promised at time of hire but canceled * Pension plan: promised at time of hire but now frozen; just started a 401(k) plan * Annual raise: also frozen * BUT! You do get to work extra hours and do many last-minute requests in a chaotic top-heavy environment

Pros

It was decent place to grow for a while. Many smart and good people who are dedicated and doing a lot of great work. Opportunity to work with teams all around the globe and get to know how different cultures approach business problems.

Cons

Mark Whiteling has left the business. Multiple failed business strategies have left the business floundering. Current Sr management focused on selling company. The current strategy is to cut teams beyond the bone in order to appear more profitable. Sales and finance are in charge of digital, but do not truly understand how to build and manage digital teams. Some digital leaders are not competent and/or only seek to promote themselves at the expense of others.

Pros

Good pay and very good benefits, though the bonus scheme is a bit convoluted. There are some fantastic people who work here and some very exciting initiatives to improve technology and business processes. There is still much room for improvement, but the company is heading in the right direction.

Cons

The expectations are very high considering the limited funding for most projects. Senior leadership has way too much turnover and has resulted in a lack of long term vision and planning.

Pros

The people you work with are diverse, friendly, and very supportive. Conveniently located in the city with several public transport options, as well as lots of parking spaces. Management is very communicative and values employee feedback.

Cons

Company's IT systems and tools are ancient and functionally limited. Although employee opinion is valued, staying current w/ technology and systems is low priority. Employee morale is affected by poor work environment - office building is just extremely old and falling apart. Company celebrates success but in a very frugal way - nothing like company-wide outings or anything of that sort.

Pros

Willingness to do right by employees; Focus on employee engagement and work life balance. Investment in Infrastructure. Some very high quality senior managers.

Cons

Lack of clarity or decision making. Wasted time in circular motion. A few protected people who should have been performance managed out of the business for underperforming.

Pros

Decent pay and benefits. Electronics industry should be a good one to be in - in terms of solid future growth. Some of the people really know what they are doing.

Cons

Micromanagement, hypocrisy of senior leadership (we want to promote from within, but then don't promote the best candidate, instead the Dir of Distribution role at one of their largest DC's world wide remains vacant for 9+ months and counting.

Pros

competitive pay benefits fairly solid mostly nice people in the rank and file some very smart, competent people can be found here market niche is strong some nice progress on international expansion

Cons

private competitors continue to outpace in the U.S. revolving door for regional senior management flash is often rewarded over substance customer focus heavy on lip service while key barriers to success in the market linger inexplicably politics are thick, careful what you say

Pros

*fair compenstation *fair benefits *good colleagues *diversity welcomed and appreciated *emphasis on innovation *convenient location near public transit and has free parking *commitment to/focus on the customer is genuine *development/career opportunities

Cons

*everything is a top priority *top-down/micromanagement *poor understanding of "global" work methods *UK centric leadership and policies *performance based on the bell curve *unrealistic "targets" result in constant underperformance *poor technology and facilities infrastructure *"do more faster with less" mentality impacting morale *commitments to employees feels like lip service *lots of politcs - management by fear

Pros

Good opportunity to grow and learn. Carpe diem. You will get out of it what you put into it. Nice facility. Great co-workers. CEO wants to flatten management and change the culture.

Cons

Work environment can sometimes be oppressive. Micro-management seems to be pervasive. Not much potential for advancement. Heavy workload. Salary, benefits and incentives could better.