Used to be great, now it's okay - Anonymous employee Mary Kay Employee Review

3.0
Feb 5, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great purpose--love knowing the my work helps women around the world start their own businesses and have freedom in how they work Fair market-value pay, good benefits

Cons

Company culture is changing--no longer the strong people-focused organization that it once was. Recognition is scarce. Teams tend to play the 'blame-game' when issues arise. Collaboration is not effective as teams are not empowered to make decisions and can be pitted against one another when something goes wrong. Very slow to accept change and to innovate; has a company culture of 'this is how it's always been done'. Teams don't seem to have sponsorship from leadership to try new ideas; cultural issue of penalizing mistakes instead of focusing on learning and improving based on them. Many layers and approvals needed to move ideas forward; too many leaders required to make a decision. Teams or the person closest to the work is not empowered to make a decision without many layers of approval. Unclear employee career development path. HR feels disconnected from departments. Opportunities seem provided to those individuals who manage up well, not manage teams and partner relationships well.

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5.0
Apr 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

People-oriented, good values, strong mission

Cons

Sometimes awkward hierarchy and employee performance review process

1.0
Jul 5, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people who are left are lovely

Cons

You are expected to perform outside your job description. Promotions are nearly impossible. Layoffs are now part of the culture. The "pink bubble" only applies to you when they need you. Once they declare you disposable, their attitude towards you drastically changes. When you get laid off, their package is pittance.

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