Reward the workers, cut the slackers. - Anonymous employee Northern Trust Employee Review

4.0
Jan 23, 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Northern has a very distinct culture that lends itself to a "family" feel. As a result, it's a great place to build solid business relationships. People genuinely appreciate those who go the extra mile or who, at a minimum, are collaborative. Furthermore, the fact that it's accepted and to some degree encouraged that partners move around the organization is a major plus. Northern also does a great job with the work/life balance.

Cons

Clique-y in nature, sometimes hard work is not properly rewarded, but mediocrity is accepted among the "favorites". Skilled employees are not at "market" in salary; thus Northern is not competitive, and quite truthfully, cheap.

Explore other reviews about Northern Trust

5.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to work, especially starting your career.

Cons

I have no cons— fabulous people.

2.0
Apr 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice people and a good environment. Benefits are good and the work is interesting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate NT as a 7. But, it’s typical big corporate crap that hands out 2% raises and minimum bonuses during a good year yet spends $360 million this past quarter buying their stock back.

Cons

Constant reminders to do more with less and cut costs and belt tightening while the execs line their pockets and you maybe get a 2% raise. I could see such actions if the firm was doing bad financially, but they aren’t. Record this and record that for many quarters now. And they walk around patting each other on the back like they all did such a great job when in reality, the markets are up so the value of the assets we manage are up. I’m wondering what sort of actions will happen when the market goes south for several quarters. Oh. And the constant state of surveillance here is BS. Tracking to make sure you are here 3 days a week. Keyboard / mouse / PC tracking systems receding your activity. It’s like a 21st century high tech sweatshop in some ways.

2
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