Job Title: Technical Specialist
Location: New York, NY
Submitted on: 22-May-03
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| Technical Specialist |
Working at Guardian for the most part was an unpleasant experience. I
basically experienced quite a culture shock after I accepted the
position. I worked in the IT department in the New york Home office.
Basically I discovered that the corporate culture at Guardian was one in
which communication was non exsistant. The Human Resource department was
outsourced to outside consultants who had little interest in employee
relations. It was extremely difficult to obtain any information in
regard to benefit or workplace questions. It was also nearly impossible
to post into internal job postings because the contact was usually a
consultant who would get a commission to bring talent in from the
outside.
The IT department had no commitment to developing their employees but
would rather hire consultants than train any of their employees in new
skills.
The relationship between the different departments was mostly
antagonistic and uncooperative. There was a pervasive atmosphere of
indifference and apathy throughout the entire organization. Many times
when things were messed up or at a standstill the explanation was "well
that is the Guardian way". There was no effort to change for the better.
In the past two years things got even uglier at Guardian when a
continuing series of large layoffs started to happen. Management was
never open or honest about what direction they were heading to. Many
times a "townhall meeting" was held were a rosy picture of Guardians
future was discussed and how important each employee was to the future
of Guardian. Usually a few weeks after these meetings a huge layoff
would occur. After a layoff, management would never meet with the
remaining employees to discuss the situation. After over two years of
continuous layoffs the morale is at an all-time low with little interest
from management shown to lift morale.
Hours are officially 35 hours per week with flex starting times. But
however, because of the shortage of personnel and the laying off of many
of the knowledgeable employees a lot of overtime is needed to get work
done. The dress code is business casual.
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