On Wrong Path Since Spherion Merger... - Manager Randstad US Employee Review

1.0
Jan 14, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

During the Spherion and Randstad merger, a lot of innovations were carried over from Spherion to Randstad Back Office technology tools are some of the best in the business, with constant updates and new tools added Randstad US has borrowed the good reputation of Randstad Holdings from Europe (if it can keep it) So many internal company divisions and departments, one feels like they are always learning Large and varied client base makes working for Randstad fun at times re: client engagement Impressive promotional swag and professional publications available for clients Good opportunity for young professionals to try to work for a large corporation Randstad owns a Clipper Ship and race car! IT Department is skillful and expedient 55 year anniversary!

Cons

Randstad is so heavily metrics based, it has completely forgotten the people element of the people business Employees at VP level are promoted rapidly while managers or below wait years without promotion Ridiculously high percentage of internal turnover at every career level, due to unattainable metrics Turnover causing overwork, loss of bonus, and eventual quitting of most experienced employees Bonus structure heavily based on factors outside an employee's direct control Toxic and immature management who rule by finger-pointing, fear, and blame Micro-managed workplace breeds frustration, discontent and paranoia Zero communication or strategy from senior "management" Only company-sanctioned items may be placed on desk Extremely bureaucratic and inflexible organization

Explore other reviews about Randstad US

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great salary and benefits Supportive team

Cons

Clients can be difficult to work for

1.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive compensation and benefits. Opportunities to build strong client relationships and develop HR and leadership skills. I was fortunate to work for a direct manager who genuinely supported and believed in me, which made my experience positive for several years. High performers can receive meaningful recognition, such as Presidents Club, and the role provides valuable experience in employee relations, recruiting, operations, and client management that can strengthen your résumé. A good company to get some experience but not a good long term company to work for.

Cons

Lack of transparency and accountability. My biggest issue was not being terminated—it was how the company handled it. Although I understand Connecticut is an at-will employment state, I believe employees deserve an honest explanation when their employment ends. Despite repeatedly asking, I was never told why I was being terminated. I went nearly three months without an answer and only learned the company’s stated reason after reviewing unemployment paperwork they submitted while contesting my claim. Prior to my termination, I had never received formal discipline or written warnings. Just two months earlier, I had earned Presidents Club, one of the company’s highest performance recognitions. Going from being recognized as a top performer to being terminated without a meaningful explanation was shocking and left me questioning the company’s commitment to transparency and fairness. In my experience, Human Resources did not provide answers or advocate for transparency. Instead, I felt they supported leadership’s decision without giving me the information I was requesting. During my years with the company, I also observed situations involving other employees that, in hindsight, made me question how employment decisions were handled. After my own experience, I came away feeling that performance alone did not determine job security. I also perceived that long-tenured employees were treated differently than newer employees, regardless of performance. One of the most unsettling parts of my experience was feeling that if leadership became unhappy with an employee, that employee could be terminated with little explanation. Whether or not that was actually the reason in every case, it created an environment where I felt job security depended more on staying in favor than on performance. That uncertainty made the workplace feel unpredictable and, ultimately, unsettling. If transparency, communication, and feeling valued as an employee are important to you, my experience suggests you should ask careful questions before accepting a position. My experience at the end of my employment was completely different from the company I believed I had been working for during my first several years.

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