Pros
I liked working for Smith & Nephew 20 years ago because they had excellent pay, benefits and would pay 100% of health claims and 100% tuition reimbursement. There was good career growth potential and the employees were very happy. The business had a large family-type atmosphere. Some, but not all of the managers truly cared for their employees. They used to have a reputation for never laying-off their employees.
Cons
As time went on benefits slowly shrunk and more and more was expected from the employees. I was let go from the company in a massive lay-off in 2011. So much for the "no-lay off" reputation. There was a glass ceiling for female employees and I'm not sure if the culture has changed since I left. I currently hear ex-colleagues complain about the new hires and their lack of experience. If you are let go you will never be hired back even though HR states you are eligible for rehire. I have applied for jobs that I performed there for 15 years and was not called for an interview.