Minorities particularly Hispanics and Gays Need Not Apply to Darden - Manager Darden Employee Review

1.0
19 July 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The company hires some amazing people that are smart and compassionate. There are some great values if only on paper. The company has a committment to many important issues but fails to execute them effectively. There are great policies but they are not effectively managed. There is a real opportunity to leverage the culture but it's left to flounder. The people who do the work are rarely recognized other than in trivial ways. A $5.00 gift card doesn't do anything to benefit the company by having its employees go spend more money at the business. The reasons to work here are so slim and so easy refuted that it was hard to write anything substantive here.

Cons

The level of ignorance and intolerance in the company for people of color and sexual orientation is alarming. Although the company leader is African American there is an alarming amount of racism that's disturbing. The people in the organization cluster in their minority groups much like the high school cafeteria. Although departmental activities bring people together the relationships are functional and do not foster real community. Diversity is only tolerated and they have policies that have come from legal issues than out of respect for diversity. The case of firing a gay man in Illinois in 1998 was something the company fought to support. They appealed cases to keep from being held liable for blatant discrimination against gays. They participate in Diversity activities but only for show and not for real cultural evolution. The company is a place that needs it's leaders to stand up and speak out against the discrimination that occurs. This company operates with HR practices that allow discriminatory and ineffective management to flourish.

Explore other reviews about Darden

5.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great company culture and benefits

Cons

Can be stuck in roles with no opportunities for growth

3.0
1 July 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The overall pay is good

Cons

Work life balance Leadership not the best on smaller brands Heavy work load

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