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      Essendant

      Part of Sycamore Partners

      Engaged Employer

      Essendant reviews

      2.8

      31% would recommend to a friend

      (507 total reviews)
      avatar

      Dave Rickard

      22% approve of CEO

      15% positive business outlook

      Ratings by category

      3.3

      Diversity & inclusion

      3.2

      Work/Life balance

      2.8

      Compensation and benefits

      2.6

      Culture & values

      2.4

      Senior management

      2.4

      Career opportunities

      Essendant has an employee rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 507 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Essendant employee rating is 21% below average for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

      Ratings by demographic groups

      Reviews by job title

      507 reviews
      3.0
      Feb 26, 2026

      This is not the same company that I began my career with

      Sr. business analyst
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      I really enjoyed most of my time with this company, right until the last couple years before I decided to leave.

      Cons

      Those last few years were really tough. It's almost like living in an abusive relationship. Some days were good, others not so much. The leadership used to listen to me and my suggestions but as the organization changed, I stopped being included in discussions and eventually when my feedback was received, it was outright ignored.

      2.0
      Feb 20, 2026

      N/A

      Bulk warehouse department manager ii
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Working as a Department Manager at Essendant offers benefits like a collaborative, team-oriented, and "family-like" culture in some locations, along with potential opportunities for overtime, and, for some, rewarding, fast-paced work with decent pay. Some, but not all, managers may experience good, supportive, and transparent leadership, with opportunities for career growth. Key Pros of working for an Essendant Department Manager include: Supportive Culture: Many reviewers describe the environment as having good, collaborative, and team-oriented, with friendly coworkers. Job Stability/Tenure: Some managers have found long-term success, with some, for example, starting as temps and working their way up. Opportunities for Overtime: The role often provides opportunities for overtime, which can be a financial benefit. Flexibility & Benefits: Some departments may offer good work-life balance (e.g., weekends, paid holidays), and some roles include hybrid options. Challenging Environment: The fast-paced, "time-critical" nature of the work is described as fulfilling for those who enjoy a challenge.

      Cons

      Cons of working as a Department Manager at Essendant frequently include a high-stress, toxic work environment, intense micromanagement, and long hours (10-14 hour shifts). Managers often deal with poor upper management, frequent layoffs, and lack of support. The role is described as having little room for growth, high turnover, and favoritism. Key cons for a Department Manager at Essendant based on employee reviews: Management & Leadership: Reports indicate a disconnect between upper management and the floor, with a lack of effective direction. Some managers feel they are not given the resources to succeed and are instead micromanaged. Work Environment: The culture is often described as hostile, negative, or toxic. Work-Life Balance: Long, demanding hours are common, often with unexpected or last-minute overtime. Job Security & Stability: Frequent layoffs, restructuring, and site closures create a feeling of instability. Career Growth: There is limited room for advancement and high turnover.

      1.0
      Feb 7, 2026

      Na

      Account manager
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      None at this time actually

      Cons

      Horrible management, toxic work environment

      Viewing 13 - 15 of 507 Reviews
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      ReviewsEssendant reviews

      Glassdoor has 528 Essendant reviews submitted anonymously by Essendant employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Essendant is right for you.