Finding a job is hard enough, but landing one at a company that makes you miserable is arguably worse. Based on employee reviews, ratings, and public complaints, here is a rundown of some major companies that have garnered a reputation for being difficult places to work.
Union Pacific
Starting off with perhaps the lowest ranking on the list, Union Pacific sits at a meager 2.1 out of 5 stars according to employees. While workers on Glassdoor frequently cite poor wages as a major issue, the complaints run much deeper.
Employees report a terrible work-life balance, excessively long hours on call, and very few chances for career advancement. Furthermore, the CEO holds a shocking 12% approval rating. This railroad giant seems like a track you might want to avoid.
Hertz
Employees on Glassdoor have handed Hertz a rather bleak 3.1 rating out of five. The reviews paint a picture of low pay, terrible scheduling, understaffing, and management that is inconsistent at best.
For one of the biggest car rental agencies in the nation, you would expect a more solid operational plan. It’s difficult to stay at the top of the industry if you are driving away your workforce.
Family Dollar Stores
With an average employee rating of 3.0 out of five on Glassdoor, Family Dollar has a reputation that isn't exactly family-friendly. The working conditions here were bad enough to make headlines.
Staff members have reported being forced to stay in stores overnight due to grueling hours, with some working over 60 hours a week—often without pay for those overnight shifts.
Steak n Shake
Steak n Shake holds a disappointing 2.8 rating on Glassdoor. Reviews suggest the company prioritizes customer satisfaction far above the well-being of its staff.
Morale is reportedly incredibly low, with only 29% of workers saying they would recommend the job to a friend. Upper management is viewed negatively, and CEO Sardar Bigari has a low approval rating of just 22%.
Speedway LLC
Speedway sits at a 3.0 rating out of five. Their website boasts about "wealth of opportunities" and "advancement potential," which sounds promising on paper.
However, actual employee feedback on Glassdoor tells a different story. Workers lament a severe lack of work-life balance, barely any break times, and a management team that lacks both clarity and sympathy.
The Children’s Place
Rating in at 3.3, The Children’s Place joins the ranks of retail environments that employees struggle with. Common grievances include low wages, stagnant growth opportunities, and dissatisfaction with upper management.
Although it ranks slightly better than some others on this list, job seekers might still want to look elsewhere unless they want to become another unhappy reviewer.
Regal Cinemas
Working at a movie theater sounds like a dream job—free movies and discounted snacks! Unfortunately, the reality is apparently a major headache.
Since being acquired by Cineworld Group, conditions reportedly worsened. Employees frequently cite poor working environments, understaffing, and low pay. Regal currently holds a Glassdoor rating of 3.4.
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market holds a Glassdoor score of just 3.1 out of five. Staff members report issues with insufficient training and inexperienced department managers, while the CEO holds a low 28% approval rating.
The company markets itself as a specialty retailer offering an "extraordinary food shopping experience," but the employee experience seems to be lacking that same quality.
Walmart
According to the National Employment Law Project, Walmart ranks among the worst for employee compensation. Workers have described sweatshop-like conditions and dismal pay.
Given the sheer volume of employee lawsuits filed against the retail giant, its presence on this list is expected. While a 3.3 out of 5-star rating isn't the absolute bottom, it’s certainly not a ringing endorsement.
McDonald’s
Being one of the highest-grossing restaurant chains doesn't guarantee fair treatment for staff. Employees spend long shifts on their feet and frequently complain about low wages and poor benefits.
While a 3.5 out of 5 rating places it higher than some others here, it’s still problematic. The crowdsourcing site Ranker listed McDonald’s as the second-worst retailer to work for.
Rent-A-Center
On Glassdoor, the primary complaints at Rent-A-Center revolve around poor work-life balance and issues with senior management. Morale is reportedly very low, exacerbated by years of financial strain on the business. The company holds a 3.2 rating.
Tellingly, less than half of the employees would recommend this workplace to a friend.
Forever 21
If you've wondered how Forever 21 keeps prices so low, reports suggest it involves sweatshop-like conditions and withholding wages. The company has even faced a class-action lawsuit regarding unpaid work.
Add to that over 50 copyright allegations for selling designer knock-offs, and the company’s 3.2-star rating actually seems generous.
Belk
This clothing retailer holds a 3.2 rating on Glassdoor and is a newer entry on the list of undesirable workplaces. Staff members report feeling underpaid and note a significant disconnect between floor staff and corporate leadership.
On the bright side, the rating has ticked up by 4% over the last year, so perhaps improvements are on the horizon.
Alorica
With frequent complaints regarding poor communication and terrible senior management, Alorica’s Glassdoor rating of 3.2 isn't surprising.
However, credit where it is due: the company has improved. Back in 2017, the rating was a dismal 2.3, so they are moving in the right direction.
CompuCom
This IT services subsidiary of Office Depot employs over 11,000 people, yet less than half approve of the CEO.
Similar to Alorica, however, CompuCom seems to be making an effort. Their Glassdoor rating has jumped from a low 2.6 to a more respectable 3.4 recently.
Frontier Communications
In late 2018, Frontier Communications held the second-lowest score of any major U.S. company on Glassdoor at 2.5. Approval for the CEO was under 25%, and the culture was described as negative due to poor management relations.
Recently, however, they have managed to pull that rating up to a 3.7 out of five—a significant turnaround for a company that was recently ranked near the bottom.
Dillard’s
Dillard’s lands a 3.1 score. Employee morale has been suffering for years, driven by dissatisfaction with unrealistic sales quotas and poor management tactics.
Fewer than 50% of workers would recommend a job here to a friend, and the ratings have been trending downward.
CVS Health
Pharmacology giant CVS Health sits at a 3.0 score out of five. Most complaints center on unreasonable expectations, understaffing, and general dissatisfaction with top executives.
For an organization dedicated to public health, they don't seem to prioritize the health and well-being of their own workforce. Less than half of the staff recommends working there.
Kraft Heinz Company
On a five-star scale, numerous employees have slammed Kraft Heinz with a one-star rating. The primary grievances include non-existent work-life balance (with reports of regular 11-hour days) and a mediocre view of leadership.
There has been a recent uptick, with the rating climbing to 3.4. It seems they may have finally taken the hint from those one-star reviews.
Dish Network
Telecommunications companies often struggle with customer service scores, and Dish seems to struggle with employee satisfaction just as much. Both field agents and customer relations staff report severe issues dealing with customers.
Dish is often cited as one of the "meanest" companies to work for. With a score of 3.1 and only 46% of employees recommending it, it’s a tough environment.
Sears
Sears has struggled to stay profitable and has failed just as hard at attracting happy employees. Falling profits have led to hundreds of store closures nationwide.
Issues like job insecurity, terrible working environments, low pay, and bad hours have earned Sears a 3.3 rating on Glassdoor.
Kroger
Kroger makes the list with a total score of 3.1. The environment is reportedly so tough that there is an online forum dedicated to workers discussing how awful it is.
Reports also allege the grocery giant pays below minimum wage in some instances. Unless you are okay with a severely light paycheck, you might want to skip this application.
Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods has faced allegations of dangerous environments and horrific conditions. There have been reports of workers wearing adult diapers because bathroom breaks were denied—seriously.
Furthermore, working on assembly lines in tight quarters has resulted in numerous injuries. Conditions are reportedly improving, however, with the current rating sitting at 3.6 out of 5.
KMart
KMart has been fighting an uphill battle for survival, and employees seem to be taking the brunt of it. Widespread store closures have created an atmosphere of instability.
Combined with poor compensation and workplace culture, KMart holds a 3.5 score—which is surprisingly decent considering the circumstances.
TJ Maxx Companies
Despite recent profit surges, TJ Maxx is known for paying some of the lowest wages in the U.S. Workers cite low pay as a major demotivator when dealing with endless lines of customers.
With an overall rating of 3.5, TJ Maxx is lucky to rank as high as it does. It is difficult to keep staff happy with long queues and impatient shoppers when the paycheck doesn't match the effort.
Genesis HealthCare
Employees on Glassdoor have given this healthcare provider a 3.0 score, citing incredibly low morale.
Reviews consistently mention limited upward mobility, rare raises, short staffing, and inflexible management. Less than half of the current workforce recommends taking a job here.
U.S. Security Associates
Employing over 50,000 people, U.S. Security Associates has many unsatisfied workers. Only 40% say they would recommend the company.
Holding a 2.8 Glassdoor score, reviews constantly point to low pay, scarce raises, and a lack of support from leadership. It’s best to steer clear.
LA Fitness
Like many customer-facing businesses, LA Fitness ranks poorly. Glassdoor reviews frequently highlight low pay, long hours, and disconnected upper management.
The rating sits at 3.0, with only 42% of employees recommending the company.
Charter Communications
Charter Communications previously held a shockingly poor 2.7 score on Glassdoor. Recently, that has improved to a 3.6.
Despite the improvement, reviews highlight overbearing management, instability, poor wages, and rigid politics. CEO Thomas Rutledge has also failed to gain approval from even half of his staff.
Amazon
You have likely heard the horror stories associated with working at Amazon. Employees have taken to forums like Reddit to discuss the intense pressure and borderline abuse they face.
Reasons for the hate include extreme micromanagement, lack of respect, grueling hours, and even an app that allows employees to anonymously report coworkers for minor mistakes.
