Talented people hindered by bureaucratic culture and weak training - Lead Engineer Franklin Energy Employee Review

1.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Some talented people that are seriously trying * You can say you work in sustainability

Cons

This organization is weighed down by a culture that prioritizes internal bureaucracy over actually supporting the people who drive revenue. Support functions like accounting, payroll, IT, legal, and recruiting consistently create friction instead of removing it. Processes feel designed for the convenience of those teams rather than the business as a whole. Simple things like expense reporting, travel booking, payroll, or accessing systems are unnecessarily complicated and slow. Training is another weak point. The bar for what qualifies as “training” or “subject matter expertise” is surprisingly low. Sessions often lack depth, practical relevance, and real industry credibility. It’s hard to take them seriously or apply much of what’s taught. There are also too many non-value-added processes: 1) You need to submit tickets just to access basic systems—even when no approval is required. 2) Benefits are overly complex and difficult to understand, with too many niche programs instead of focusing on strong core offerings. 3) The recruiting process is so convoluted it requires long training sessions just to navigate it. On top of that, the company talks a lot about values but seems to miss the basics - consistent, high-quality execution. There’s far too much emphasis on “big moments” and not enough focus on just doing everyday work well. Transparency is poor. When you ask why something is done a certain way, the default answer is “it’s policy” or “it’s how we’ve always done it.” That kind of thinking kills trust and makes it clear that improvement isn’t a priority. There is a lot of feedback forms and listening sessions but nothing changes. Also no communication on what is done with the feedback The biggest issue, though, is HR leadership. The Chief People Officer spent their entire career as a recruiter—and now they’re responsible for the entire HR function. What a joke. It shows in how disconnected HR policies and processes are from actual operational needs.

Explore other reviews about Franklin Energy

5.0
Nov 6, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Growing company Helping the environment Helping clients, customers, contractors, and team members Flexible hours Remote work for many roles Teams where everyone feels a part Creative and extremely intelligent thought leaders and industry experts Jobs for every personality and skillset

Cons

Contracted work so things change from time to time

5.0
Sep 28, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Strong base salary and generous bonuses, no degree required Excellent training and clear advancement opportunities Flexible 4-day workweek option and meaningful mission I worked at Franklin Energy for 2 years and 3 months, starting as an Energy Auditor and quickly advancing to a Community Outreach Specialist. This is hands-down the best company I’ve ever worked for, offering incredible opportunities and a supportive environment. Franklin Energy stands out for its accessibility—you can earn a strong base salary without a college degree, and the incentive and bonus programs allow you to significantly increase your income through dedication. The company genuinely cares about its employees, providing thorough training that sets you up for success. Advancement is entirely within your control, and I was able to move up quickly thanks to the clear pathways offered. Another great perk is the flexibility to work a 4-day workweek depending on your efforts, which was a huge plus for work-life balance. The focus on energy efficiency and community impact made my role as a Community Outreach Specialist deeply rewarding, and the collaborative team culture added to the positive experience. The only potential downside is that some positions, including mine, can require up to 75% travel. While this might be challenging for some, it’s a plus for those who enjoy traveling and seeing new places. Unfortunately, I had to step away due to a chronic illness, but I’m eager to return as soon as I’m able. I wholeheartedly recommend Franklin Energy to anyone passionate about sustainability and looking for a workplace that invests in its people and offers real growth opportunities.

Cons

Some roles require up to 75% travel, which may not suit everyone (but great for those who enjoy it)

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