Oxfam Reviews

Pros

Influential and effective INGO. Great work culture and US headquarters. Oxfam US attracts very smart and compassionate employees.

Advice to Management

Hire managers who don't micromanage. Keep the Union--it tells everyone you walk the talk. And keep "Righting the Wrong". Oxfam is a wonderful organization.

Pros

great benefits and work/life balance

Pros

Great mission, and great managers

Pros

The mission and people that work at Oxfam are amazing. The office environment is friendly, warm and people are motivated by the mission.

Advice to Management

Making more opportunities for growth, especially for entry level positions.

Pros

The admin and professional level employees that I knew while working there were thoughtful, caring people. The work environment (dress code) is casual, depending on the team a person is on the work environment will be change but in general if a person needs to work from home they can. Benefits and PTO were very generous.

Pros

The people are very smart and passionate; 35 hour work week and flexible working schedule

Pros

Enjoyable place to work. Mission is very motivating. Co-wrokers are friendly and senior management care about teams, inter communication and organizational decision processes.

Advice to Management

Have less meetings. Study other organizations that are able to move through decisions more rapid and with less bureaucracy

Pros

Benefits are amazing and why I stayed at the organization. Boston office has casual dress code and a 35-hour work week (if people work more, that's their choice. I used to do more, but no one even noticed when I dropped down to regular hours as I work got done). Most teams are flexible when it comes to working from home and office hours.

Salaried employees have ample time off regardless of vacation policy (i.e. as a salaried union worker, you start at 3 weeks, but given comp time, school days, religious holidays, etc., it's essentially an unlimited vacation policy. DC office/managers get 30 days PTO, but many take much more). Lots of opportunities to attend and present at professional conferences, take external trainings, travel domestically/internationally, etc.

Advice to Management

Project management and managerial skills are missing at multiple levels of the organization, especially for large-scale grants. Let experts focus on their expertise rather than making them managers just because they are knowledgeable in their field. Hire managers and project managers to manage staff, projects, and grants.

Have staff cross-train and take on increasing responsibilities in their respective roles for professional development rather than just having one-day trainings or online classes.

A culture of inclusiveness is lacking beyond diversity. Take initiative in calling out each other and staff in a professional way when inappropriate comments or jokes are made. Facilitate meetings by watching interruptions and making sure all voices are heard and individuals don't dominate the discussion.

Pros

Oxfam is a guilt-free organisation to represent. They do incredible work every day in places most non-profits would never touch. The base pay is solid and they are very understanding when it comes to sick/personal days. If you stay for 60 days the benefits are fantastic. Many people who work with you will be like-minded, caring individuals who want to make a difference which makes for a nice environment. Very easy to get to (DTLA) if you're near a metro.

Advice to Management

Have a more rigorous hiring process and bring in people who can connect with others in a meaningful way. If employees aren't performing, try to work more caringly with them to structure a plan so they can get back to their best.

Pros

The collective project - The people - The vision. The future.