A lot of wasted potential - Anonymous employee First Book Employee Review

2.0
Aug 24, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Wonderful mission, incredible people who are truly passionate about kids, literacy, poverty alleviation and making a difference. Most managers are flexible and allow for decent work-life balance. Organization is constantly innovating and growing quickly, creating lots of opportunity to try new things, brainstorm, and contribute to the cause.

Cons

There is virtually no investment in the staff. Middle managers and some VPs are great mentors, but senior leadership all but ignores staff that's below VP level. Staff feedback is never asked for, and openly discouraged in many ways. No culture whatsoever, and morale problems (of which there are many) are outright ignored or feebly acknowledged in inefficient and awkward ways. Expectations are poorly set - ie, many staff find their travel schedules quite heavy but are never told they would have to travel in interviews. Staff is highly producing but any requests for additional resources go ignored, which burns people out and contributes to poor morale. HR is nonexistent - two people for a staff of 80+ and they don't know the answers to most basic HR questions. Organization's financials are a mystery. Unfortunately, the list of cons just goes on and on, despite the amazing organization and huge potential.

Explore other reviews about First Book

5.0
Dec 6, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people it reaches and the lives it enhances.

Cons

Employees limited understanding of how each department is important and how operations is not based on one person but the overall goals of the entire organization which includes staff, the vision and the mission.

2.0
Feb 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Hybrid work from home environment. Good benefits. Family-like culture.

Cons

Toxic work place. Very high turnover. Senior leadership clueless about the people working for them.

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