Are there any really good companies to work for anymore?

Anonymous

May 12,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

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Are there any really good companies to work for anymore?

The last 3 positions I have had, has had sink or swim attitude with little to no training, no equipment given to do the job, and promises they don't keep. I am an Administrative Assistant looking for an opportunity to work with a company that

A. Gives you the training you need to do the job. Example My trainer was on a PIP training me, new also so didn't know the ropes. When questions were asked, they didn't know. When asked to have someone else train was sent right back to that person.

B. If you offer Hybrid give them the equipment needed. Example. Laptop with Excel, Word, Adobe. Not make the employee use their own personal computer, and have to purchase Adobe because it is needed for the job.

C. If you offer vacation time give it! Our Max vacation time is 112 hrs. I have asked numerous times for vacation dates and have been declined, I am maxed on time and can't get anymore because I am not allowed vacation time but yet the person I work with who does the same work and has only 3 months seniority just took a month vacation, didn't have the pto to cover it and still got the vacation time.

Are there any good companies anymore?

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AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 2:53PM UTC
Try your local institution of higher ed. You won't get rich, but they're stable and offer good benefits, including time off, often tuition assistance for you and your dependents, and good equipment. I've worked in higher ed at two universities for over 15 years and it's been good to me.
AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 7:16PM UTC
While I agree with the comment regarding higher ed, may I add working for the government (local, state) as well. While both higher Ed and government have started to fall into the mindset of “no time to train, you’re on your own”, it’s not nearly as a bad as other work sectors. Plus you’ll get a laptop with the proper software and will be able to use your accrued vacation. But be prepared…you will work, hard, in those sectors as an administrative assistant, trust me, I am one. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Erin VegaMay 14,2023 at 12:46PM UTC
Your own company. You're an admin assistant look into starting a Virtual Assistant business.
SaraMay 14,2023 at 2:34PM UTC
Remember when you're in an interview that you are interviewing the company too. Ask them very pointed questions about these topics and any others that you're worried about. If they can't answer quickly and definitively then they probably aren't being truthful. Then you can decide if you want to work with them
Christi LopezMay 15,2023 at 11:29AM UTC
As others have said, local and state government, K-12 and higher ed. are all good places to start. As a state employee, I can tell you our tech dept. would NEVER allow us to use our personal computers for work. That is a serious security breach. In the decade I've been here, I have never had a problem with having vacation denied. And I'm taking unpaid leave for the month of July for a study abroad in Greece opportunity. I'm also only in the office two days a week, and have flexible hours (can work four 10-hour days, or work 8-hour days that start and end between 6 am and 6 pm).
One thing to note, you might take a couple steps down if you start at the state. I was an Administrative Assistant at a school district and accepted a Secretary 8 (lower level) position at the state because it came with better benefits and a $5,000 raise (and that was a decade ago). It did not take long to show them I was way over qualified for the position I accepted and was able to get reclassified. Know that there are options available, but you need to jump through the hoops of bureaucracy and have patience to make them happen.
AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
Why would you ever buy something for work on your personal computer? If they don't provide you what you need then it is not hybrid.
AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 4:47PM UTC
Wow, okay so as an admin not sure what you expect in terms of training. If you are hired to do a job I think you should come in knowing how to do the job and if your commentary is about learning internal systems then that does make sense. As for the person being on a PIP why is that any of your business? If that is the person with domain expertise and that the company is deeming the one to train you then that is what you get. Not every company has a sophisticated onboarding and training process.
As for equipment needed did you ask before you were hired if you have to use your own equipment? If you don't have the software necessary to do the job it definitely is the companies responsibility to purchase it for you unless in the job description when they hired you they let you know that you needed it to get the job done and that they could not provide it. Still not great but at least you would know up front.
As for vacation, that is a privilege within the rules of the company and they can determine if/when you can be away based upon business need and coverage. You seem a bit overly concerned that you are not getting more time vs others. Perhaps you have to work at least 90 days before they allow vacation. Have you asked that question.
It's fine to say all companies are bad but I suspect the things in your list that you are bemoaning are ones that you did not ask about in your interviews. Interview better, look for people who have left and find out why and ask for what you need up front. Then you won't be disappointed when your expectations are not met by your employer.
TracyMay 16,2023 at 10:38AM UTC
First off I am an an administrative assistant. When I was hired on I explained I did not understand anything on Grants. So they knew this up front.
As for my training being from someone on a pip, they offer that information not me. But usually on a pip means they don't know the job either. If they don't know how to do the job how can they train you to do a job?
Ask her equipment programs I have been denied any of them unless I pay for it myself. This was not brought up at the time of interview and acceptance.
Ask for vacation I have been there over a year, I have requested numerous vacation time off and have been declined on each one. There are 12 other admins all of which do not have the same issue as I do. Quite honestly your comments are quite snarky.
CosmosMomMay 15,2023 at 10:22PM UTC
The company I work for now has provided every piece of equipment necessary to be successful remotely. While most people here have industry experience there is a 2 week training course as well as a detailed manual and SOP to turn to as reference. That being said, this is the first place like this since my last 5 jobs in the last 15 years. They are out there, it takes a bit of time to find them.
roseMay 16,2023 at 8:20PM UTC
Most companies who have stockholders, publicly traded or not, need to have a solid employee value proposition and talent acquisition/retention strategy. That would include all of those things you have pointed out. The problem is that many times that strategy exists solely on ppt, and execution may not go beyond a flashy merch bag you are encouraged to show off on social media. To make sure they walk the talk, open a profile on Indeed, Glassdoor Fishbowl, etc.. and anonymously share your review with future recruits. A few bad public reviews will most likely get a lot more attention than any polite feedback you will provide. I'm not suggesting you go Karen on them, just provide an objective, fact-based review. If nothing else, you will warn the next gal.
Also, check out the Top Employers Institute list for target companies (https://www.top-employers.com/). Get what you are looking for. You deserve it!