I have worked for StitchFix for the past 2.5 years. It’s been wonderful! Until the past month, during which we’ve had zero top-down communication, especially regarding our work hours as Stylists being cut in half. I am truly trying to figure out how the company took such a huge 180 turn.
As far as I have heard, it will continue to be that way for the foreseeable future. For me, long story short: I have to make enough money to afford my meds, even on Medicare and Medicaid...but not so much that I lose my healthcare/ insurance. Until the past month, the flexibility, pay, and work style has been incredibly accommodating, adaptive, and fulfilling both professionally and personally.
I’ve heard from warehouse workers that that they keep hiring more associates, but when someone comes in with COVID, everyone must go home to deep clean (as they should). However, the workers are not being paid for the rest of their hours for that day. And further still, the company continues to hire more warehouse employees and leads for styling teams. I also know some employees who were hired as part of a new cohort to start mid-December, but the company has not been communicating with them at all regarding the delay in start date.
I’ve been a manager. None of this is okay. And having worked here for 2.5 years, the sudden cut-off in communication and transparency is simply unacceptable. I know that leadership can do better. I’m sure it is not the intent, but the whole approach seems disrespectful and inauthentic. I’m incredibly disappointed because I loved my job. But quite frankly, especially as a disabled individual on Medicare and Medicaid, I can no longer afford my regular medications, nor groceries at the level I truly need. This is not hyperbole, but rather my lived reality. And I know that so many have been affected similarly by the pandemic. I understand that for many of us, job loss and insecurity is now the norm rather than the exception. Yet, I truly expected much better from StitchFix and leadership.
In my opinion, the whole approach (hours being cut; and moreover, lack of communication about why or even transparency that they do not know why) goes directly against StitchFix’s principles and values – especially authenticity, responsibility, and integrity. I feel like stylists went from being treated as valuable professionals…to MLM workers who are simply seeking a casual and unnecessary side-hustle.
