Pros
Diversity is one of our hallmarks. Where I am located there has to be at least 20 nationalities represented. It is definitely a "pro-family" company which offers many perks and benefits to employee children such as back-up daycare, discount tickets to amusement parks, children's holiday parties, and so on. A new program to offer detailed rotational orientation to new employees is a great hit. The Company Store is another perk that most of us enjoy immensely. We also have flex-time work hours and more recently, telecommuting for up to 2 days/week. Colgate offers tuition assistance to its employees. Many of us earned our degrees there, and are indebted to the Company. We have an open-door policy and a "flat" organization, which is WONDERFUL! I can walk into a manager's office for a quick chat, sometimes without a prior appointment. We have many affinity/network groups that offer support and leadership/skill development opportunities during business hours (most times over lunch). We are a teaching company - at least at my location. We are always sharing new ideas, new information or new concepts. I LOVE that!
Cons
Once you are given a task and you excel at it, you're basically "stuck". You are known as the expert after a few successful launches, project completions, etc. and it is difficult (at best) to get an opportunity to try something new. Several people had to leave the Company just to get an opportunity to try another area. The Company seems to be doing more now to address this issue as many are being approved for short-term assignments in other areas. It is tough to find great managers. Many bosses have amazing personalities with lots of expertise and knowledge - but struggle with effective people management skills. Hopefully the Company will begin the process of training new leaders earlier in their career vs. waiting until managerial promotions occur to train them. It is probably too late then.... Promotions are DIFFICULT to earn. Seriously. You can prove yourself to be ready for promotion, only to have your job responsibilities "updated" or "revised" and you have to start all over again to prove yourself. This can happen more than once, and in this way many years can pass without a promotion.
