Terrible company that takes advantage of workers - Barista Publix Employee Review

1.0
Nov 7, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Decent starting wage -Quick wage increases -Decent benefits

Cons

-Sexual harassment -No breaks -Poor training program -Unprofessional management team The Publix I worked for in Virginia took advantage of workers. Staff were given only a 30 min lunch, even if you were assigned a 12 hour shift. I was often stationed by myself and could not leave on time for my lunches due to customers, and was reprimanded for not taking my break on time and management told me it wasn't their problem. I have a documented disability that I provided paperwork for that requested I have a chair near my station due to a spinal injury. I was consistently reprimanded by management for even leaning on the stool if there were customers around. There were always customers! The Starbucks was right at the entrance! In addition, a woman in the bakery department was sexually harassed by an assistant manager to the point of filing a complaint. This assistant manager had a meltdown in the middle of the Publix and broke several items while screaming at her. He faced zero punishment or even a suspension for his behavior, and management tried to assure all the female staff that it was just a "misunderstanding." I quit soon after this incident out of fear and disgust.

Explore other reviews about Publix

5.0
Feb 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Stable job good Bennie’s cool

Cons

Getting up early sucks a lot

4.0
Jul 7, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good compensation including not just standard pay, but also end of year bonus 80 hours for hourly associates, 8% of your annual earnings granted to you in free company stock thru which quarterly dividends are paid, ok 401k, and gift card and other associate coupons. Good stability and growth. Good company culture.

Cons

Can be slow and resistant to change. Uses some antiquated systems and software that should have been replaced years ago. Does some things that don't make sense. Some managers can be good, while others not very good. Although these cons may be true for a lot of companies. All roads eventually lead to Lakeland where they are headquartered. Geography can be a big one if you are not a Florida native. If you don't want to live in Florida for some legitimate reasons, there can be limited job options in other states, especially if you aren't interested in retail or warehouse jobs. Standard retail negatives about not having a lot of holidays off.

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