Pros
Hixson has some competitive benefits:
- Solid 401k match
- No healthcare premiums
- Bonuses twice a year (if you get one)
- Gym, nice break area, etc.
Most associates are friendly, there is a lot of corporate rigidity if that is something that you like in terms of check-ins, promotions, and meetings.
Within their industry (GMP Food and Beverage) there is variety of projects they work on, with many different technical disciplines to interact and coordinate with.
Cons
Hixson is culturally lost and disconnected from the reality of the associates that work for it. Morale is low.
Despite claiming to prioritize work/life balance, many associates live to work at Hixson as opposed to work to live. Long hours and high efforts aren't often recognized. Associates contributing to continuous improvement efforts aren't typically recognized for doing so. 42-45 hours a week is the dictated standard for salaried employees despite being more than full time.
The structure of the company is generally flat.
The culture is resistant to change in basically every way. Even easy suggestions get shot down. Continuous improvement efforts can stall or be met with friction. Quality has been a big issue lately.
Senior management is all over the place in terms of management styles, recognition of company policies, etc. Many managers are 100% (or more) billable and are hard to get a hold of or meet with for advice, help on projects, or other discussions. Many managers have only ever worked for Hixson.
Compensation needs work. Base salaries are low, typically presented as if the continuous employment commitment and the bonus make up for it. They haven't distributed bonuses in a while. The bonus distribution and base compensation is mysterious.
Very hard to currently recommend Hixson for employment, but it could recover and get there one day.
