Vital Farms reviews

I’ll do you guys a favor, and summarize the current 4.3 rating. What you’ll notice if you page through the reviews is they oscillate between perfect 5’s and rotten eggs with almost no ratings in between. This strikes me a little odd. And as a manager, I’d be concerned that my employees are having such drastically different experiences. But I sense that isn’t the case. No one is concerned, and no one is listening. The paragraphs-long replies HR retaliates with are defenses, sprinkled with vapid jargon about conscious capitalism (there’s lots of that going on inside the walls too). Beyond odd, the polar reviews give credence to the reviews that say there is clear favoritism happening; that teams and employees are employees based not on merit but baseless preference. In truth, management is composed of a bunch of well-meaning folks who strike out while trying to put into play all the things they learned in every management book they’ve read. Just read the “interview” portion of these reviews to get a sampling of the screening practices they use before ever speaking to any candidates. “Culture Index” not common sense guide recruiting. And the tension between teams: operations, marketing, and the packaging plants, is cutting, with backchanneling and fiefdom building running rampant. The level of self-righteousness is more rancid than a filthy barn (not that they have any of those, of course, the hens are treated way better than any employee). But the chest-pounding around “ethical eggs” is hard to swallow when it's said in the same breath as belittling comments towards employees, and vendors. To paint a picture of the facade-building: I witnessed a manager ask a junior employee to ask an employee of color (there are fewer than a handful in HQ) to be in a photograph because they needed to show "diversity". Tokenism at its finest. You can be the judge if that type of environment is ethical and acceptable to you. Just be aware of what’s behind the glossy shell.

I have been with Vital Farms for a little over a year now and have decided to put together an honest review for those who are considering employment with Vital Farms at Egg Central Station in Springfield, Missouri. When you hear about VF and even while entering your orientation process you will think to yourself wow this is a very well run and morally responsible company. VF spends a lot of time and money on presenting themselves as a modern company in an industry known for a lack of compassion and questionable motives. Statements about light filled air conditioned facilities and taking care of their staff with rigorous safety protocols and an open book style of management. The truth, however, is that Vital Farms is not any different and in fact in most categories is worse than other competitors. First I will start with the “Pros”. I feel in order to provide a fair review I should start with what I believe to be the positive. Vital Farms does provide meals on Thursday’s for all shifts as well as a small selection of snacks throughout the week. This could include granola bars, fruit snacks etc. Another positive would be the other production associates and shift leads many of whom are good hard working people more than willing to help their neighbor and understand the burdens VF places on their employees. Now for the Negatives. I believe the first thing a prospective employee should know about VF and what I’m sure you have noticed across the board with the reviews listed on multiple sites is that management and a disconnected and unprofessional Human Resources department are by far the largest problems. I’m not talking about leads or direct supervisors I am addressing HR and upper management at the front office of the facility. Human Resources at Egg Central Station has a horrible reputation among production associates due to their unethical practices, unfair treatment of minority production associates, demoralizing and humiliating behavior, and willingness to dismiss harassment and discrimination cases in order to protect themselves and upper management. Not only have I personally witnessed employees of color and members of the LGBT community be treated unfairly by the HR department but this is also the primary reason for recent employee walk offs which have been framed as “necessary terminations”. The Human Resources department at Vital Farms also uses an unfair and impractical point system to address employee call outs. Anything from deaths in the family to medical emergencies, to being 5 minutes late will result in a point, after 9 points you will be terminated. Medical documentation will not be accepted and basic human understanding is never applied. Considering this facility cleans and packages a major staple for all American families for consumption it would seem there would be a heavier emphasis placed on not coming to work sick. This is not the case. People with children or obligations to sick family members need not apply your situation will not matter to HR. No sick pay or leave is available and all PTO accrued must be put in for approval 48hrs before being used therefore cannot be used for emergency’s or being sick. Due to the physically demanding and stressful work conditions issues on the floor do arise HR will not conduct a fair investigation or practice any kind of conflict resolution. Both parties will be punished. It is also not recommended to bring any issues directly to HR through their “open door policy” as you will be labeled a problem and retaliated against even if this requires the department to lie to cover their tracks or manipulate points in order to “point out problem employees”. As a production associate you will be treated as replaceable and deserving of far less than remote workers or anyone in the office. Intimidation and a culture of bullying are the norm. Persons of color or members of the LGBT community should expect the personal political opinions and religious beliefs of leadership to dictate decisions involving employees. Vital Farms consistently touts their core values statement. “Practice Empathy, Lead with a Growth Mindset, Compete to Win and Act like an Owner”. You will not see a single part of this mission statement practiced by your Management or Human Resources. These are just a few of the things that make VF a toxic work environment other issues include: forced OT on most weekends, not receiving promised wage increases, consistent changing of policies, out right lying to production associates, no safe open door policy, no transparency, favoritism, point manipulation in order to terminate employees who speak out, lack of communication from leadership, failure to address issues of racism and discrimination, and ZERO diversity within the leadership team. In conclusion if you are desperate for cash and In need of a job as soon as possible apply at your own risk, however do not expect growth or career possibilities. This facility is a text book example of a revolving door. If you are a person of color, member of the LGBT community, or have a family, beware. I have watched as entire orientation classes come and go over and over again in my time here, all of which are labeled as people not willing to work. Who are, in truth, hard working honest people being taken advantage of by Vital Farms. I would highly recommend seeking employment elsewhere. I know that I will be myself.