Good place to learn, takes a while to get things done - Improvement Engineer Dow Employee Review

4.0
27 Oct 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Excellent appreciation for work-life balance. No micro management. Culture of respect and trust. Leaders are understanding of the learning curve and aren't too pushy. Benefits and retirement contributions are OK but don't compare well with oil and gas industry.

Cons

It takes a very long time to get things done at Dow. If you are coming from another company, prepare yourself for a beating over the head with lengthy, detailed work processes. No vision incurance (for me at least). Many people are also critical of the forced ranking system for performance reviews/bonuses. Althought the lack of micromanagement is a pro, you also may only have the opporutnity to meet your direct leader a handful of times face-to-face.

Explore other reviews about Dow

5.0
16 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Culture and the technical expertise within the company provide for a working environment where you don't work in silo and everyone is willing to help support you

Cons

Administrative systems can be burdensome to overcome.

2.0
22 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Safety culture, flexibility (although less and less over time). Good health insurance and 401k match

Cons

Dow’s recent years illustrate the challenges of trying to simultaneously satisfy Wall Street’s demands for strong financial performance and aggressive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) priorities. The company has heavily emphasized inclusion initiatives, including its openly gay CEO publicly sharing that coming out was one of the best days of his life in an internal communication, along with a notable increase in women appointed to senior leadership roles. Hiring practices reportedly require diverse candidate slates—including female candidates—and diverse interview panels before filling positions. These efforts, while well-intentioned, appear to have contributed to a series of questionable strategic decisions. Employees have borne the brunt through repeated rounds of layoffs (including significant cuts announced in recent years), minimal merit increases often in the 2-3% range, stalled promotions, and little turnover at the top levels of leadership. Senior executives seem insulated from the consequences, potentially overlooking how these factors—including their own leadership—may be central to the company’s ongoing struggles.

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