Good people, bad management - Anonymous employee Koch Employee Review

1.0
15 Jun 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The majority of employees are great to work with. It was the best part of my job. You do get paid, but it will be less than you could get somewhere else. Benefits are ok, similar to other companies.

Cons

Poor management. Most supervisors have mastered the ability to sling buzzwords about the management, but have little to no experience doing any work. Inreality most of them have 2 years or less in the company. They have almost no idea what you're doing or why. All they know is we have to cut costs. i agree with the other reviewers that many supervisors are simply yes men who agree with whatever management comes up with. Compensation and reviews. Part of the comp philosophy is individual pay based on your results, which is a nice idea. What it means is you are not getting a raise, either because the company isn't making enough or because your review wasn't good enough. Your review will have some actual feedback, but most of it is based on how well you are liked by your reviewers. Anything you did wrong, no matter how small will be held against you. It's a great way to push for more from you without paying you more. Retention. Basically no one plans on staying with the company. Most of the people I worked with were looking to get out before they were let go. Most of the high performers leave within two years. The burnout rate I'd incredibly high. Work life balance. I didn't have a vacation without emails or calls for 3 years. You will be expected to be available at all times. If you don't answer it will be held against you in your review. Cost cutting. I heard optimization more times than I could count. The organization is trying to cut costs everywhere, which results in a heavier load on the employees. They're leaving for a better run company, like I did, which makes the remaining employees more loaded. Culture. This is both good and bad. If the management system was actually used it would be an ok place to work. But the system isn't seen as a tool. It's seen as a goal in itself. It is thought that if you follow the system success is guaranteed, regardless of facts and reality. The idea of challenging decisions is great, but don't actually do it. You'll be labeled a trouble maker and told you don't have the big picture. It's an incredibly frustrating feeling when you have a valid concern. In the end most people just give up on trying to make a difference.

Explore other reviews about Koch

5.0
6 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Such a great atmosphere. The company focuses on adding the most mutual benefit for all parties. Helps you grow, and create meaningful relationships.

Cons

N/A This company is amazing but it is challenging. You will be stretched.

3.0
3 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good group of folks to work with

Cons

Culture is almost cult-ish Doesn't pay well Unless you don't spew out PBM vocabulary, you're not seen as a 'valuable' member of the team

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