UniFirst reviews

3.6

62% would recommend to a friend

(2,540 total reviews)
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Steven S. Sintros

70% approve of CEO

55% positive business outlook

UniFirst has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 2,540 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The UniFirst employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Personal Consumer Services industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

3K reviews
5.0
Mar 5, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

UniFirst is a family oriented company that cares about it's employees. Their services are easy to sell with due to the long tenure and quality of service provided by their service teams. The company has an excellent training program that focuses on helping not selling. I never felt like I was taking advantage of a prospect, but that I was actually making a difference for their business. Great opportunity for advancement especially if you have a willingness to relocate.

Cons

The hours are long if you are doing your job right, but it is all reflected in your paycheck. The first year is very tough and you will be tested, but if you can make it through you will have a solid career. This is a fleet service company so only the larger holidays are recognized and there is little vacation time.

2.0
Jun 7, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Not many to speak of. If I had to say anything positive it is that I could be my own boss, which is good since you'll be in the cold if you wait on management.

Cons

The uniform industry is seriously corrupt and should be regulated. I am convinced that the majority of profit is from bogus service fees and price increases - Unifirst employs mostly former (and likely current) criminals that are desperate as well as immigrants that can't speak a lick of English. This includes all the drivers, office staff and production workers. Having a degree whilst working for Unifirst was torture as I attempted to understand the drivel coming from low IQ zombie workers. Unifirst doesn't know yet that we live in the 21st century and a bulk of any process is driven via paper systems. I repeat: this "green" company goes through reams of paper daily and writing orders is excruciating. They play games with your sales and commissions as well. One week you can't sell certain accounts and the next week you can. I was told that I go after too big of sales and they call this "elephant hunting" - I think they were nervous that if I did sell a big account they wouldn't have the resources to service and get sued by a customer that has the resources to win as opposed to screwing small business owners. Just stay away - stay on unemployment or look for a different job unless you have an IQ lower than 90 and love outdated stuck in the 80's workplace environments.

3.0
Apr 2, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I am sincerely appreciative of the chance to join the Unifirst team. Following my departure from my previous job, I was fortunate enough to receive an offer from Unifirst in a timely manner, which was immensely helpful in transitioning to a new role smoothly. The alignment between my career stage and the opportunities at Unifirst was well-acknowledged by my hiring manager. It was clear that Unifirst understood where I stood in my career trajectory and provided an opportunity that suited my professional growth needs. The training program offered by Unifirst is commendable, especially for individuals entering the sales field. It provides a solid foundation for newcomers and equips them with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in a sales role. Unifirst should consider targeting recent high school and college graduates in their recruitment efforts. By offering entry-level positions and comprehensive training, the company can provide a valuable opportunity for young individuals to embark on a fulfilling career path in sales. Embracing young talent and nurturing them through the ranks could be a significant advantage for Unifirst. By imparting their expertise, guiding individuals through the intricacies of the sales cycle and B2B sales, Unifirst has the potential to witness remarkable growth and success alongside their employees.

Cons

Vehicle Expenses: Currently, I'm utilizing my personal vehicle for work purposes, with Unifirst only covering gas expenses. It would be beneficial for Unifirst to consider investing in mileage reimbursement or providing a company vehicle for employees. Alternatively, establishing partnerships with local automotive service providers to offer discounts on tires and oil changes could help alleviate some of the financial burden on employees who use their own vehicles for work. Compensation Structure: The compensation package at Unifirst, particularly the base salary and commission structure, presents challenges. While commission is paid at the time of installation, the base salary may not adequately support salespersons during the extended sales cycle. This issue is compounded by the fact that the top earners at Unifirst earn less than their counterparts at other companies, potentially impacting motivation and retention. Dual Roles: As a salesperson at Unifirst, I'm also responsible for handling administrative tasks, such as managing contracts and coordinating installations, in addition to sales responsibilities. Furthermore, being required to serve as a seamstress and take measurements for uniforms adds an additional layer of responsibility to the already demanding role. This dual role can be overwhelming and may impact overall productivity and job satisfaction. Improper Management and Micromanagement: There's a sense of improper management and micromanagement within the company. For instance, employees are asked to complete tick sheets to track the number of dials made, which feels reminiscent of elementary school punishments. This micromanagement can be demotivating and hinder employee morale, creating unnecessary stress and reducing productivity. Addressing these concerns could contribute to a more supportive and rewarding work environment for employees, ultimately enhancing performance and retention rates.

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UniFirst Response
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