Vanguard Employee Reviews about "culture"

Pros

Vanguard is a great place to work, not only for those starting their career, but also for anyone who wants the opportunity to learn and grow in an organization. I have been here for almost 9 years, have had 3 different roles, earned my MBA (and Vanguard paid $9,000 a year towards it), and get to work with amazing people everyday. The culture is based on growing and developing your skills and expertise which gives our crew the chance to leverage their strengths. The organization is focused on great customer service and honest investing strategies.

Cons

Vanguard is very focused on doing the right thing by their clients which means that we are deliberate in our decision making. At times, that means that decisions are slower than in some firms but in the end, those thoughtful decisions help make this a great place to invest.

Pros

Vacation. Standard large corporate benefits.

Cons

Where to start. The Bond Desk title is only a title. The reality is those poor associates are being asked to take every type of call imagined. And that ever so grey area of rating a call by supervisors is used to give poor reviews-run the older more costly associates with tenure-right out the door. It is truly legalized harassment. When you look at these poor reviews take them seriously-it's not a bunch of disgruntled former employees. I got to 'retire' the culture is toxic and I would've never said that 10 years ago.

Pros

Work life balance is taken very seriously! 20 days off per year and since nobody is setting the world on fire here, you can take them guilt free. Recruiting practices focus on hiring women, at any cost almost. If you're a talented guy, this will feel wrong- and it is, albeit for the better good. They don't like firing people very much, you can be exceptionally mediocre here and collect your paycheck.

Cons

This isn't a place for smart innovative people that are high impact focused. It is a very SLOW company, in their language 'methodical.' If you are the type of person that likes predictability and not be demanded to innovate then rate it 5 stars. They will say they like to innovate, however, this isn't true. What they mean to say is they like finding new ways of saying the same thing. Lastly, most financial firms are built upon meritocracies. Vanguard is the complete opposite of this. It is extremely political. If you like this great! However, if you are hoping people notice your great talent due to your great work- it's not going to happen. They will say this is because it's a humble culture and don't want to elevate anyone's station. This is dishonest. People with sub par qualifications will advance over the shakers & movers of this world if they have what vanguard calls 'advocacy.' This word means ' a lot of friends in high places.' If you work here, keep in mind this is the most important thing if you are to advance.

Pros

Company culture is great and a lot of room for growth as people are always willing to help you.

Cons

No negatives really, great workplace.

Pros

There are great benefits that are unmatched in the industry and have amazing work life balance. For the most part the company culture is very inclusive and it is an enjoyable place to work.

Cons

As with any large company there is a lot of red tape and change happens slowly. My other complaint is that moving up in the company is all about networking and getting close with the correct people.

Pros

Partnership, retirement benefits, healthcare, good co-workers and people, don't lay off (only manage out), career development and rotational opportunities, work life balance for exempt crew

Cons

This used to be such an incredible company to work for with a great culture. The focus used to be on clients, crew, community. Now the focus is on profits and bottom lines. It is not the idyllic company it makes itself out to be. For investors, it absolutely is the best place to invest. To work, it is seriously lacking in empathy and care or concern for the crew. Sociopaths have taken over the helm and they are doing whatever they need to to get to 10 basis points. They will bleed you dry. They have Crews Views every year to survey the crew's satisfaction, but they don't do anything with the results and pretend to care but really don't. They are not willing to do what it takes to get good people into the company or to stay at the company. If you don't fit inside their little mold, then you will suffer here.

Pros

There is an amazing culture of support and consideration that feels like it comes from above. My specific team most definitely has the best team/work culture I've been a part of. There is a great respect of work/life balance and the compensation is amazing!

Cons

The hierarchal structure does make work go slower and less improvements of the product within a year.

Pros

Work is challenging and varied. Management in my area is very flexible with work/life balance and remote working opportunities. I feel like my time, opinions, and output are valued.

Cons

The corporate culture is very strong and may not be everyone's cup of tea. Decision-making based on employee feedback could be more transparent.

Pros

Generous benefits, job security, nice people

Cons

Loads of corporate spin. Too much USA and not enough respect of local culture

Pros

Vanguard has a great culture of collaboration and has a focus on how to use data science to create impact for the business. The culture to serve all investors is a great cause to work for.

Cons

Need to spend some time to understand the business and talk in their terms in order to make a significant impact and get buy-in.