1.) I personally struggled with the culture. Some people may enjoy it, but I felt like they were obsessed with appearance and image, and it was difficult for me. This manifested in several ways:
a. DRESS CODE:
There’s no official dress code, but there are “guidelines," including but not limited to:
• Men must wear suits and dress shirts (except on Casual Friday, when they can go without the jacket)
• Women must wear suits, matching separates, or a conservative dress with a sweater or blazer (and pantyhose!)
• Shirts and slacks must always be pressed
• Men must wear dress shoes every day
• Shoes and belts must always match
• No khakis. No dockers. No polo shirts.
• No casual fabrics
• No shoes that show all five toes (i.e., peep-toe heels are okay)
• No shoes that make thwacking or clacking noises (i.e., mules are probably not okay)
• God help you if you wear flip-flops!
The guidelines are by no means exhaustive. We also received vague advice like, “keep it classy,” and “keep it at a higher level.” If we were not deemed classy enough, we could supposedly be called out and told to take care of it. I thank God this never happened to me.
Also, apparently, representatives from cosmetics brands occasionally come in to sell products to female employees. I never saw this happen myself, but I heard that it's really good quality stuff. I still think it’s a little weird, though – especially when you consider the culture of the office and the ongoing emphasis on “looking our best”
b. WEIGHT / FOOD:
There was (in my opinion) an extreme, unhealthy focus on weight at this office. Note for prospective employees: If you have / are recovering from an eating disorder or struggle with body image in any way, I believe this environment could be especially difficult.
- Unusual amount of body talk in the office. People vocally, harshly criticizing their arms, their thighs, their stomachs, etc. (Note: These women were not even close to overweight, not that it matters either way).
- Unusual amount of diet talk in the office. Lots of moralizing, like “Oh, you’re so good for having salad! I’m so bad for having pasta.” Promising that they’re going to give up sugar, alcohol, saturated fat, going to go paleo tomorrow. Talking about how many calories and points are in their lunches (and yours)
- THERE IS A SCALE IN the WOMEN’S BATHROOM
- We were not supposed to eat candy or junk food in front of the CEO. I don’t think anything bad would necessarily happen if you do; I was just told that he doesn’t want to see it.
- Vocal disdain for bigger people. I never heard explicit insults directed at anybody, but I did hear some comments about fat people in general that were pretty unkind
c. STRICT CUBICLE RESTRICTIONS
No personal decorations for your cube. This means:
• No tchotchkes, trinkets, or sports memorabilia
• No wall hangings
• No post-it notes
• You can have ONE photograph, but it must be tasteful AND framed
Also, no eating allowed at your cube, ever. You can drink coffee or water (and you better use a coaster!), but nothing else.
2.) There were two new employees in my new-hire orientation: me (a woman) and a man. We both got identical binders, and all the papers inside were identical except for one thing – he got a take-out menu for the local Jimmy John’s and I did not. I didn’t say anything, but the orientation leader explained that they automatically give all new guys a menu, but of course ladies are welcome to have one as well – all we need to do is ask. I didn't want one, but seriously??
3.) No ORCA card discount or contribution toward parking expenses. From my personal anecdata – i.e., asking every single person I know who works a full-time corporate job in downtown Seattle – this is highly unusual for a company this size and it seems pretty darn cheap. (Funny story: When I was looking into getting an ORCA card, someone at the office told me that I should just walk to work and back so I could get some exercise! haha)
4.) Lots of parties and events at headquarters
Please hear me out, because I understand this doesn’t seem like a negative. However, soon after I started working at headquarters, the company hosted a really nice corporate event – excellent food, flowing booze, fresh flowers everywhere – and obviously it was fun, but I couldn’t help wondering how much it cost. It was probably quite expensive, especially if you factor in lost productivity and the wages given to corporate employees (like me) who were basically paid to drink and play games all day. Contrast that with community employees who are actually serving residents, caring for them, bringing them their meals, directly enriching their lives, and probably making $9.00/hour? I’m sorry, but it does not sit right with me.
