Crafting chaos: no strategy, no leadership - Anonymous employee Michaels Employee Review

1.0
May 28, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Unfortunately they are no pros.

Cons

Loss of Flexibility: The new CEO abruptly revoked flexible hybrid options and now mandates 4 days in-office attendance, with little regard for employee needs or work-life balance. The new CEO did this at his last employer and got blasted on reviews for being out of touch. In office collaboration is non existent and we sit in silence most days. Toxic Leadership: The new CEO has a well-known negative reputation, which he has quickly lived up to. His leadership style is dismissive and disconnected from the realities of the team. He seems completely disinterested in his team or product. Chaotic Executive Team: C-level leadership lacks direction and alignment. There’s no clear strategy or vision, yet teams are expected to deliver at unsustainable levels. Majority of the team comes from failed/bankrupt companies which isn’t relatable. They were hired as favors. Toxic Work Culture: Morale is at an all-time low. Employees are burned out, unsupported, and openly unhappy. Complaining has become the norm, not the exception. Performative Perks: The company tries to compensate with forced fun and superficial events that feel tone-deaf and out of touch with what employees actually need or want. No Incentives: No bonuses were given this year, despite high expectations and increased pressure on teams. There’s little recognition or reward for hard work.

Explore other reviews about Michaels

5.0
Feb 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Had a really lovely recruiter w/ clear email communication back and forth. Process was a phone screen followed by an interview.

Cons

Interviewers were slightly late to the interview. Lots of technical questions, no leetcode style ones though.

2.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some great co-workers, employee discount, on site office benefits including a gym and cafe for breakfast/lunch, full suite of employee benefits at reasonable prices

Cons

Ridiculous amount of stress. Retail in general is often stressful but the amount of stress at Michaels is unnecessary and over the top. Constant last-minute changes by leadership to creative, promotions, products, and any other kind of changes. Things will be finalized and signed off on and delivered, and somebody will make a change at the last minute and things are constantly having to be redone. People are worn down and worn out. It’s the highest turnover rate of any place I’ve worked in retail at the corporate office. I’ve seen people take jobs and be gone within weeks. Leadership in some departments are extremely micromanaging and controlling even with employees that are tenured and have multiple years of experience. The stress level for both tenured and new employees is very high. Projects get discussed over and over and over again, decisions are made and then revisited again after decisions were made making delivery late and causing people to work unnecessarily in order to fix things that could’ve been done correctly the first time. The company tries really hard to make the workplace fun and offer activities, motivation, and incentives. Unfortunately they don’t offset what the environment is like working inside with some of the teams and expectations to actually deliver the work. Would not recommend.

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