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American Red Cross

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One great mission, trampled by personal interests - Anonymous employee American Red Cross Employee Review

2.0
30 Apr 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The ability to help others that are in need is very rewarding. Some of the things that you experience when you work with the organization are life changing and show you the potential you have to make a difference. Some of the volunteers and co-workers you interact with every day, are very passionate people that make the worplace a somewhat pleasant on a daily basis.

Cons

Power-hungry people. Chapter C.E.O. was more concerned in how their image reflected to volunteers and community rather than taking care of the people within the organization. Non-existent HR department. I was outprocessed with little disclosure and under their terms, not something fair to both parties. Pressure from upper management to sweep problems under the carpet than discussing them openly and honestly. Little circles within employees looking after their own agendas (promotions, career advancements, etc) that trampled the code of conduct and the mission of an organization asa whole. No recognition for achievements, rewards only to the "favorites" and not to people that deserve it, whether it is an employee or a volunteer.

Explore other reviews about American Red Cross

5.0
14 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendly people and good work

Cons

No cons for this company

2.0
15 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You feel connected to a larger mission, and go to bed knowing you did good work. Most of the volunteers are amazing people. The job is a good stepping stone to other disaster management jobs elsewhere. PTO policy is generous and Healthcare is decent.

Cons

You are INCREDIBLY overworked and GROSSLY underpaid. You get zero work-life balance. Even when you're not on call, you'll still get tons of calls from volunteers with questions and concerns. If a volunteer is unavailable to respond to a fire call or tend to any other responsibility day or night, you're on deck. You're salaried, so there's no overtime pay. Your pay barely covers the basic cost of living in today's economy ($40k-$50k). Diversity is bottom heavy, meaning there are lots of employees of color in entry level or lower management roles, but beyond that there's a steep drop off. Most of the volunteers are great, but the Red Cross is so desperate to keep them, that poor behavior and language (racist/sexist/phobic) is not properly disciplined or responded to, if at all. Employee retention is poor, especially in the Disaster Specialist role, because they burn you out so quickly without decent pay.

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