It is highly ironic that these layoffs were done ostensibly in the name of increasing customer service and "customer facing hours". Those laid off were largely ASMs, CSMs and floor operations team leads. Who exactly do they think does the... — read more
@Anonymous321
AMEN BROTHER!
I doubt that may people would sign up - look at this page, thousands of messages but less than 20 Facebook links
To kaspar
I think you are missing the point of the posts here. I do not speak for the group but I feel that anyone who worked under Jim Baumann or Chris Traut are sad to see the company go south. Follett was once a great place to work and had awesome annual... — read more
Someone should set up a Facebook group for Follett Alumni- to stay in touch/ network.
So, do we know how many people got affected?
How many people got axed last week? Anyone?
From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs
I think that we are getting tired of grand, strategic, even tactical statements... I just cannot see many here... So people revert to things that are easier... Instead of saying - Mary, your leadership is not brilliant because you move too slowly... — read more
EVERY ROLLOUT A CLUSTER
Name one major rollout of a major system,program, or initative that is user friendly and actually works when it reaches store level. All the way back to Course Tracks still a piece of crap, every system rollout has major flaws, aka "known issues"... — read more
I SECOND 309
301 - Please do not jump to conclusions. 286 has a valid point - How can employees be inspired by a leader who can't even be bothered to "dress up" for a video that will be seen by thousands? I'm talking about the joint video she did with Allison in... — read more
Response to 307
I believe that is one of the major issues facing this company. The way it has seemed to be (from speaking with previous employees) and from my personal experience, they do not try hard enough to keep their top talent around. The people who succeed at... — read more
@Anonymous 308
Anonymous 301 is par for the course at Follett. A lot of jumping to conclusions and saying (or in Folletts' case, implementing) something before really thinking about how it will be reacted to or work.
To anonymous 301
you obviously have not lived in the world long. I have heard from several Follett VPs and GVPs that a person's appearance (not LOOKS, hygiene, ironed clothes, clean makeup, brushed hair) is key when dealing with customers. I did not say Mary lee was... — read more
Too late
The time for telling them what to change is long gone. The failure is systemic. The company is not worth saving now. Take care of yourself and move on if you haven't already.
Insulting people's looks is not a productive use of this space
I'd much rather keep the conversation to the layoffs, the failing company strategies, poor policies, things that can affect positive change. An ironed shirt wont get anyone's job back, turn the company around, or make anyone's job at Follett better... — read more
to 301
it's not disgusting. if you are going to represent a company you can't look like a slob.
To Anonymous 286
Well 286 is not needed in a company like this. Judging ML by her looks is disgusting.
@Anonymous282
LOL at: "The next time you do a video please remember to iron your shirt."
Anonymous 281
I quit the company a few months ago after 15 years of service. It was bittersweet because I loved my job. On my last day no one called to say goodbye-not my regional of 8 years, my GVP of 10 years nor the VP who allowed me several opportunities whom... — read more
Makeover
My manager and I often wondered why someone who had such a high position as Mary Lee could not afford a better wardrobe or a better hairdresser. Surely she make enough for a stylist consultation! She always looked very dowdy standing next to Allison.
282
lmao at ironing shirt. love it.
Gone are the days..
Mary Lee and the hiding behind the telephone crew really have no clue about how to deal with the people that are the back bone of the company. I know of at least two people that would have gladly switched to part time rather than be laid off if the... — read more
To Anonymous 264....
What makes you think everyone fired by this dastardly company will be OK? Do you have a suggestion for a full time job with comparable salary and health benefits for those who have worked at Follett for over 15 years? Please post your positive... — read more
LAYOFF
Laid off 1 associate on Fri, now 2nd associate today Time to look for another career. FOLLETT is not the same company that used to be. They used to care about their associates, now its all about the bottom line. Follett founders would be disgust with... — read more
revenue
10 billion and around 9000 employees after the cuts
what's the revenue?
this site cites 2.5 billion (2008) - what's accurate today?
expecting the worst
I suspect I will be laid off soon. I'm salaried, but my store's sales have plummeted and we're trying to sustain 3 salaries. Something has to give, and I think it's going to be me.
and btw
if you are affected, you are not alone, there are hundreds of us here, probably close to a thousand messages - more or less everyone agrees, things are not going well but at least we have each other to share experiences
I am with Anonymous252
I worked with both Taylor and Hatton - I agree with Anonymous252 100% - everything said is pure gold
Damn auto correct
Midbrain end was supposed to be maintained lol
Long days ahead
I was a store manager in a mid sized city in Florida and made 54k . I was happy with my salary on one level but on the other I had not had a raise in years and was capped out so there was no more money unless the cap is raised. I worked at least 50... — read more
Nicely said FormerIT
Don't stick around to help this company anymore even if you think you're OK right now. Go somewhere else and you will realize just how bad it has been for a long time.
Keep your heads up - there are many opportunities outside of Follett.
I was laid off last April along with many others and it was difficult - you almost feel violated. Of the ones I maintain contact with, we have all found new jobs and are happy with them. Most found jobs within the first two months. I worked at... — read more
Next step
Those left behind will be "used" to establish the new staffing model. As soon as they can, and not a minute longer, expect store management to be gone. With all the sneaky spy capability - let's face it, they're more than capable of monitoring... — read more
Writing IS on the wall for this business
Fedex/UPS drop off/pickup project is a go. Also don't forget the centralized text books project (move text book buying decisions and warehousing to Aurora). For spring rush the physical store locations will be fulfilling orders for SKYO website (to... — read more