From Minnesota — 12/13/2009
Pay- The pay is fantastic. As a part-time worker who's been with the company for 6+ years, I am extremely grateful for the pay I receive compared to the amount of work I do. Being in the front end and working as a cashier/head-cashier, there is little physical labor involved and most of the work is done assigning tasks to people and keeping track of the money that goes in and out. I get a 9.90 rate plus 2.50 on weekends/holidays. Being that I work every single weekend (my own choice), this adds approximately 35-40 dollars to every paycheck. That's HUGE! I'm greatly blessed in this area.
Respect- I feel I'm respected by most of my coworkers, as well as many of the customers who come in on a regular basis and spend thousands of dollars in any given year. I try to make work as fun as possible as well as doing favors for other people when needed. Most times, they are more than happy to help me out when I'm in a pinch. Most everyone in my store is hardworking and gets the job done. Sure, the G.O. can cause a bit of paranoia from time to time, but I usually find they leave you alone if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing.
Benefits- The benefits are, in a word, awesome. Christmas bonuses and IPS checks that increase every year, not to mention a random gift in the mail for just about every holiday. Can't speak too much to the insurance that is offered, as I do not use it. But as far as the bonuses, profit sharing, and extra weekend pay are concerned, it's a deal that really cannot be beaten if you are a part-time worker. Full timers are a different matter altogether, and I do not ever plan on becoming a full time worker at Menards (unless it is a position at HQ in Eau Claire). The time invested, travel involved (seminars, transfers), and constant oversight from G.O. are deterrents. Again, part time = GOOD, full time = NOT SO GOOD.
Job Security- I feel very comfortable with job security. I have many different skills and bits of knowledge that help me do my job very well around the store. I try to become looked at as a guy who can get things done for people when they need them to be, and I believe my superiors take note of this. There is certainly a high-turnover rate among part-time and young workers, but this is usually because of outside factors such as school, family, etc.
Work/Life Balance- Very happy with this. Part of the reason it works so well for me is because I'm employed in the front-end, where there are a TON of people who work in that department with me. This allows me added flexibility with scheduling that I probably could not get anywhere else in the store. I have worked the same shift on the exact same days for the past 6 months, and it is immensely helpful when you also need to attend college as well. If I need to pick up hours, they're usually able to find a spot for me, and I can earn additional income for myself this way. Also, I've met a LOT of friends through Menards. In that aspect, I'm truly grateful.
Career Potential/Growth- Probably average. Myself, I do not plan on working full time in retail, ever. Not just Menards. I'm going to school to open up other opportunities, and the idea of always working in this business does not appeal to me. However if you wish to advance, there always seem to be opportunities in other stores in the area, and transfers between locations are common. The pay can get good depending on your position and how long you've been with the company.
Location- Fantastic. I live about 5 minutes away and the commute is a piece of cake. Nothing else to say here.
CoWorker Competence- Most employees know what they are doing and strive to do a good job. Of course there are always a few that screw around too much or are just plain incompetent, but you usually don't see them around the store too long.
Work Environment- I enjoy the area in which I work. My employees are great and fun to talk to, and most of the guests are friendly and are easy to laugh and joke with. As with any job, there are times that aren't very fun and can be frustrating. But there's always someone else to lean on, and you usually forget all about it by the time your shift ends.
All in all, a good place to work. I believe I'm fortunate to have found a good store with good people and a good crop of guests who spend a lot of $$ and generally know what they're doing. Full timers may see a few things they like with this company. Those seeking part time work, however, need to apply at their nearest Menards store NOW!!! The things you have going for you are simply too good to pass up. The pay, flexibility, and friendly environment are second-to-none. Consider yourself lucky if you land a gig here, part timer!
Thanks for reading,
-Menards employee
