Pros
Smithers has potential, yet has a lot of work to do to become a premier, modern day employer. In all fairness to the organization, there were some positive experiences during my time, but unfortunately these positive experiences do not prevail against the negative experiences as outlined below. On a positive note, Smithers is a truly entrepreneurial organization and encourages employees to speak up and make recommendations to improve the business. I watched hard working employees receive, or be put on a path for a promotion.
Cons
For those reading reviews, it’s important to note that Smithers has multiple businesses, and many of the low star reviews are a reflection of one particular department which has constant turnover. The department I worked under was nothing short of a toxic work environment for multiple reasons. I observed multiple employees suffer from emotional abuse at the workplace as they experienced unwelcome conduct based off of personal challenges outside of their control. The daily work environment included mobbing, gossiping and bullying causing great conflict. There was offensive behavior, inappropriate conduct and conversations mostly sexual at nature. There is a great lack of privacy in the office - employees sit in small cubicles with 2 foot high walls above their desks. You can hear everyone’s phone calls, conversations and comments. I observed countless offensive jokes, public name calling, acts of intimidation, blatant lies, ridicule, public mockery, insults and put-downs from staff to staff. The company did not take the aggressors actions seriously albeit multiple complaints from many different staff members in this department. If you were an aggressor but were good at your job, these horrendous behaviors were excused. Multiple employees suffered from anxiety and depression related mental health issues due to the toxic work environment. I watched so many employees quit - sometimes on the spot - due to the unbearable daily abuse and venomous environment. And yes, all of this was reported to HR time and time again, for years. But was it documented? Verdict’s out. Smithers Group is not a progressive employer whatsoever and is run like a good ole boys club. Be prepared to work a strict 8am - 5pm schedule with no flexibility. There is no working from home permitted. If you travel for work for the week and arrive home late Sunday, expect to be in the office on Monday morning.