Trader Joe's reviews

Absolutely no room for growth. I had frequent repetitive movement injuries and the managers would not report them because I could not "prove" that I got hurt that way on register or while stocking. The job is very physically demanding, which is fine, but be prepared to feel exhausted. Since TJ's is usually placed in higher end neighborhoods, dealing with the seemingly ungrateful and uneducated (about seasons and food) clientele can be awful. The work environment is not really all that pleasant. So much drama all the time. If you're a person who can work in a gossipy environment, all the more power to you. The stores can be pretty incestuous. Many people in upper management don't have a life outside of their work. There are always favorites. My store in particular was a "bro club." It was hard to feel recognized as a hard worker when management would socialize with less hardworking co-workers outside of work. Trader Joes is known for benefits, but honestly they can be hard to come by. My schedule was written so that I specifically didn't receive health insurance.

Raises have diminished from being merit based to $0.55 and then $0.45 bi-annual raises dependent on a positive review. Thanks to Obamacare and some changes from the top, employees must work a minimum of 30 hrs a week but crew members are only scheduled for five 7.5 hour shifts each week. Cutting an hour here and some pennies there....where is it all going? Not to the crew who overcome considerable obstacles, crowded back rooms, and a milk box overflowing with product to bring smiles and great customer service to irritable customers who often forget to treat us like human beings. At least the store management recognizes us for what we do. And occasionally, they reward us.