Good company, poor company - Web Designer Santander Employee Review

4.0
Mar 7, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits and compensation were excellent, and a yearly bonus that was most welcome. They did fun little employee activities for one week a year and gave little gifts though very inexpensive were very appreciated. Many of not most of the people that work there are very friendly and good at their jobs and decent to work with. The actual office is new and nice (as of 2016) and there are machines offering a great many choices of free coffee.

Cons

There is a severe lack of proper process when it comes to projects and what is most important. Though management is typically nice they are not always attentive or understanding. I recall one incident where while working from home I logged off before I read an email sent a little after 5, which is when my day ended, and I was then texted, emailed, and called multiple times till I was able to pick up and was accused of leaving early and threatened with being demoted to contractor (something not possible or even within that managers power to do) and when I addressed this behavior to my superior no action was taken as far as I could tell. This happened at least three times from the same manager. It's a very clique ish environment and if you don't fit the a great deal of trash talk will happen behind your back, just like in high school. There was a lack of appreciation and even understanding of the jobs that were done. For mine in particular, I rarely got a thank you beyond my one or two coworkers and a great deal of complaining when any little thing may not be in its perfect place. Also I was forced to repeat myself many many time to my own team why certain thing last couldn't be done or shouldn't be done as if they didn't believe me or trust me.

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5.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance, smart colleagues

Cons

Too top down, chaotic strategy, layoffs

4.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Of all the companies I have worked for, Santander has had the strongest training program. The training was comprehensive, well-structured, and especially valuable for employees who are new to the banking industry. Additionally, Santander's ONE software is by far the most intuitive and user friendly banking platform I have used, making it easy to learn and navigate while supporting efficient daily operations.

Cons

Like most retail banking roles, there is a strong sales component. With fewer customers visiting branches due to online banking and ATMs, much of the day is spent making outbound calls to existing clients, trying to set appointments, and push products and services. While I understand the importance of sales in the industry, I personally felt there was significant pressure to prioritize sales goals over relationship building and client service, which I was not comfortable with.

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