Promotion is NOT based on performance - Field Engineer Hensel Phelps Employee Review

2.0
Jul 20, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Almost all HP trades, Superintendents, and Project Managers are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry. You can learn a lot... if they are willing to share.

Cons

- Stating the Obvious...Long Hours. You get "shunned" by co-workers if you don't work more than the mandatory 10+ hours per day. - ZERO work-life balance... they conduct surveys for this very reason, but they refuse to listen to the employees and improve the quality of life. WHY? - Promotions based on tenure ... there is little to no incentive to work hard if must wait 2-4 years for a promotion rather than reward the hard-workers. - This company WILL make you drive more than 90 miles/day (with no reimbursement or assistance) for some projects.

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Hensel Phelps Response
8y
Thank you for your review! As an industry leader, Hensel Phelps is committed to the success of our employees and strives to learn from everyone that works for the organization. Whether it is through employee surveys, Glassdoor reviews or internal discussions, we are always focused on improving. Hensel Phelps constructs some of the most complex, high profile construction projects in the industry which at times have their own unique set of demands (i.e. location, hours or day-to-day challenges) that may require extra effort. At Hensel Phelps, we believe in providing careers. Therefore, promotions are the result of an individual’s proven track record of performance with no specified time limits. Our employees are family and we endeavor to address all concerns that are raised.

Explore other reviews about Hensel Phelps

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Strong values & great managers.

Cons

Work load can get heavy and you may relocate.

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Hensel Phelps Response
4d
Thank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate your recognition of our strong values and supportive leadership. We also understand that the demands of the construction industry can sometimes create heavy workloads and relocation opportunities. We value your feedback and wish you continued success in your career.
1.0
Jun 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Gained valuable experience working on large, fast-paced projects that helped me grow technically and professionally. I had the opportunity to learn about field operations, coordination, documentation, safety, and how major projects are managed day to day. There were also several hardworking and knowledgeable people I worked with, especially in the field, who took pride in their work and helped me learn. The experience challenged me and gave me skills that I will carry forward in my career.

Cons

One example that stood out was seeing jobsite resources used in a way that felt inappropriate. During a period when field employees were working 12+ hour days in extreme summer heat, it was observed ice from the jobsite ice machine being used to fill a cooler of beer. That created a perception that leadership priorities were disconnected from the needs of the field. Compensation fairness was another concern. In some cases, it appeared that new hires were starting at higher salaries than employees who had been with the company longer and had more experience. That created frustration and made it feel like loyalty, performance, and field experience were not always valued or rewarded fairly. There were also concerns about inconsistent accountability and the perception of favoritism. At times, it appeared that company policies were not enforced consistently across employees, which hurt trust and morale. Employees were left with the impression that personal relationships with senior supervisors could influence how situations were handled.

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Hensel Phelps Response
4d
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience. We appreciate your recognition of the learning opportunities and support you received during your time with us. We also value your candid input regarding leadership, employee support, and workplace culture. Feedback like yours helps us identify opportunities for improvement as we strive to foster a respectful, fair, and accountable work environment. We wish you success in your future endeavors and thank you for your contributions to Hensel Phelps.
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