Heading In The Wrong Direction... - Anonymous employee First Book Employee Review

2.0
11 Nov 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission. Books to kids! The systems that First Book has created to provide books to kids in need is very impressive. Downtown DC office is great. The employees at First Book are friendly, warm, and smart--a great group of people to work with. Family friendly organization. Work life balance is good. You can usually leave your work at work.

Cons

Organizational structure is awful. There are a ton of VPs (many of whom are wonderful to work with), but really, the power lives within a small, closed group of three members of the executive team. You can get the ear of one of the executive team, but usually only if you are new and a "golden child." That privilege is often short lived, however. A majority of the employees at First Book have very little autonomy to make a true difference beyond their assigned duties. Until the leadership structure changes, I don't see good things ahead for the organization. You get the feeling they don't care, though. Shame.

Explore other reviews about First Book

5.0
6 Dec 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people it reaches and the lives it enhances.

Cons

Employees limited understanding of how each department is important and how operations is not based on one person but the overall goals of the entire organization which includes staff, the vision and the mission.

2.0
19 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Hybrid work from home environment. Good benefits. Family-like culture.

Cons

Toxic work place. Very high turnover. Senior leadership clueless about the people working for them.

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