employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Barrett Business Services

Is this your company?

Great People, But the Company Gets in Its Own Way - Benefits Department Employee Barrett Business Services Employee Review

2.0
24 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

BBSI hires genuinely talented, capable, and kind people. Many of the individuals I worked with were collaborative, supportive, and really trying to do the right thing. The people are easily the best part of the company.

Cons

The company lacks consistent structure, accountability, and follow-through. Processes are often created but not respected, which leads to constant rework, confusion, and frustration. Employees are expected to maintain standards that leadership doesn’t consistently uphold, which makes it difficult to do the job effectively. Most employees are extremely competent in their roles. However, teams are often understaffed and stretched thin, with workloads that are difficult to sustain. Because of this, miscommunication and mistakes don’t just happen occasionally — they happen on an almost hourly basis due to the volume of work and lack of adequate support. There is a clear disconnect between leadership decisions and day-to-day operations. Priorities shift, expectations are unclear, and employees are often left to figure things out on their own. Turnover within the department has been extremely high. In a team of roughly 30 people, approximately 23 employees have left — representing over 75% turnover. Within a recent six-month period, about 9 employees exited, or roughly 30% of the team. This level of turnover creates instability, knowledge gaps, and significant strain on remaining staff. BBSI also feels behind the times in how it operates. Many processes and ways of thinking feel outdated, as if the business is still being run like it’s decades behind where the industry is now. There is a strong focus on revenue, but not enough focus on the people who are actually driving that revenue. Employee support, recognition, and overall investment in staff do not match the demands of the role. Total rewards and incentive programs are not competitive, which makes retention difficult. There is a lot of potential here, but the company often gets in its own way.

Explore other reviews about Barrett Business Services

5.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great pay, people, environment, and benefits.

Cons

Decentralized culture and lack of standard operating procedures

2.0
11 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great team environment with supportive coworkers who are always willing to help and collaborate. Working with a variety of clients provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to different industries, making it a great place to build professional relationships and expand your experience.

Cons

Leadership has declined significantly compared to previous management. A major concern is the lack of trust shown toward employees, which has led to an environment where people feel micromanaged rather than empowered to do their jobs effectively. Previous leadership encouraged open communication, listened to employee feedback, and fostered a culture of mutual respect and accountability. In contrast, employee concerns and suggestions are often not acknowledged or acted upon, leaving many feeling unheard and undervalued. There is a noticeable lack of meaningful listening and engagement from management, which has contributed to low morale and a growing disconnect between leadership and staff. The overall work environment has become increasingly negative, with a culture that does not consistently promote trust, collaboration, or professional growth. Additionally, there have been instances of inappropriate jokes and comments that create discomfort among employees, further contributing to a workplace culture that can feel unprofessional, unwelcoming, and unsupportive.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All