It was okay... until it wasn't - Distribution Associate Essendant Employee Review

3.0
10 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Super easy job for the pay. A couple of my coworkers are... I guess "were" super cool (get to that soon...) They hired me within I believe 3 days of me applying, which I should have taken as a red flag but I needed a job and money so I'll give them that. Upper management is actually pretty chill, couple people I have in mind specifically I wish the best for them moving forward.

Cons

Strap in ladies, gents, and everyone in between, this is going to be a heck of a beat down. Losing this job in a couple months no matter what, so here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about at least our DC. Let's start "light"... the daily meeting before we actually start working. I guess it's supposed to be reviewing previous day KPI and assigning tasks for that day, but it always turns into "it's supposed to rain today" or just an endless "anything else?" until 30 minutes have passed, which means the actual work will now get done 30 minutes later. I only had like 3 coworkers I would actually consider "friends," everyone else either hated me for no reason or was just SO weird I couldn't stand listening to them talk for more than a few words. Speaking of other people... how hard is it to do this job??? People screw up CONSTANTLY like HUH? All the information you need is RIGHT THERE just open your eyes. They act like it's rocket science or something, but I know 4th graders that could do this job better than some of these people. So, if you are still planning on working here after reading this, know that if you just show up and have half a brain you will be a top performer. Middle management is very questionable. Some of them are AMAZING people I love joking around with and such, but then there's the "buddy" issue... if you're not best friends with my boss, you're screwed because there IS favoritism. Other people get away with everything (Show up an hour late? That's fine. Leave trash/empty boxes everywhere? Eh, whatever, not like it's a safety hazard or anything.) but then the rest of us? Come back from break 5 minutes late and people are staring at you tapping their watches like they have nothing better to focus on. They move workers around departments and claim it was because "they were causing drama" when really, they were the ones calling this stuff out in person. There is absolutely NO room for growth either, you can cross train 'til the cows come home, you are NOT getting a promotion or more than a 3% raise. Happened to one of my closest friends here, we swear they talked corporate out of promoting her because they couldn't afford to lose her in our department. I guess I'll move on... the hours: There are no consistent hours. 12:00-8:30? No. It could be 12-5, 12-10, 10-10, 10-12, you have no idea until you show up for the day when you're likely going to get home that night because you work until the work is done. On top of that, depending on the amount of orders we have left, most of the time we don't even get a second 15min paid break because of a stupid rule aforementioned middle manager made up that now everyone follows. Why? Because he's salary and wants to go home. What does it really save? 15 minutes. But he wouldn't be able to process that math, I guess he thinks it's 15m times the number of employees or something. Also, if you want to save time, cut down on the number of times you ask "anything else?" in the meeting, like I said. Also, the buildings closing... I do appreciate the couple months heads up, don't get me wrong, but really? To tell us all that our building is consolidating to the one down the road and you have no idea when or who will keep their job, then a couple weeks later saying "JK, no one has a job. Good luck." is not cool. The severance package isn't even worth sticking around for, so I guess I'll see what to do now... If you're planning on applying to one of the 6 remaining buildings, I'd have a backup plan because who knows how long those will stay open too.

Explore other reviews about Essendant

5.0
27 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the key positives of my role include a strong work-life balance, which allows me to maintain productivity while also managing personal responsibilities effectively. I benefit from having a supportive and knowledgeable manager who provides guidance, shares expertise, and fosters a positive working environment. The company’s benefits package is another significant advantage, offering solid support and overall value. Additionally, I genuinely enjoy working with my team—we collaborate well, support one another, and contribute to a positive and engaging workplace culture.

Cons

I cannot think of anything that I would consider negative.

3.0
19 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong legacy company with experienced employees and solid industry knowledge. Good exposure to category management, supply chain, and private brand operations. Some teams are collaborative and supportive, with opportunities to learn across functions. Stable customer base and broad product assortment. Flexible work environment depending on department and manager.

Cons

Company culture has declined compared to previous years. Frequent organizational changes and shifting priorities create uncertainty. Employee morale and engagement are not as strong as they once were. Communication and leadership alignment could be improved.

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