McMaster Bait & Switch - Anonymous employee McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
Dec 27, 2008
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

if all you want is a job--the same job...everyday...for the next 20-30 years of your life-- if you like having your day scheduled down to the minute and to work in an office that is run like a warehouse Some managers are really great, but the smart ones don't stick around very long the company doesn't do lay-offs...just rounds of firings every spring & fall...

Cons

Micro-management is the only form of management; Most managers are younger than 27 and are managing people who have more experience than they do in the company & their department; most managers are severely lacking in their people skills; yes the managers are ivy-leaguers--but you have to remember that even in the ivy leagues, people get C's & D's. And why on earth, would any ivy-leaguer worth their weight in salt, go to work for an MRO supply company???? Turnover is VERY, VERY high... Morale is VERY, VERY low... benefits aren't that great anymore Employees aren't valued--they are seen as a number...no name plates, no personal effects allowed--makes it all the easier to get rid of people no Coffee (or food) at your desk -- only water in pre-approved cups

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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