NSF Reviews

I feel compelled to share my experience at NSF, and I must say that it was far from positive. First and foremost, there seemed to be a fundamental inability to recognize and harness talent within the company. Despite my rapid learning and ability to accomplish substantial tasks efficiently with limited resources, there was a startling lack of appreciation or recognition. Instead, I was told that acknowledging my contributions in front of the team would incite jealousy and hostility from others. It was baffling to witness rewards and promotions handed out based on favoritism rather than actual performance. Furthermore, communication issues were pervasive. When I raised concerns about this, they were turned back on me, accusing me of having communication problems. HR was no help, as my attempts to address issues resulted in increased targeting and rudeness from management. The management hierarchy was deeply flawed. My immediate manager appeared passive, allowing technicians to dictate terms and failing to act when necessary. Higher-level managers made decisions without a solid grasp of facts, relying on lies and office gossip. Their attempts to rectify mistakes only resulted in more errors and deception. Accountability was virtually nonexistent. SOPs were disregarded, and those who flouted them were promoted and defended. Incredibly, one higher manager even dismissed the importance of accuracy when dealing with customer samples. Now, let’s address the shocking termination process. Initially, I was given a two-week notice to resign, which I accepted. However, within hours, I received a surprise email stating my resignation was effective immediately. This abrupt change in the timeline was never explained to me, and it felt incredibly unfair. I was escorted out of the building without the opportunity to bid farewell to colleagues. Beyond these issues, there were disturbing instances of harassment and misconduct, with individuals openly objectifying coworkers without consequences. Double standards based on nationality were evident, with non-American employees receiving less respect, appreciation, and promotion opportunities. Compounding these problems, the pay was abysmally low, and my shift premium was consistently overlooked until I repeatedly inquired about it. I was coerced into working weekends under threats that they wouldn’t accommodate my school schedule, and when school started, they made my weekend shifts even more burdensome for requesting PTO when I was severely ill. The overall work environment was unprofessional and hostile, with my manager being particularly toxic. Communication with him was a constant struggle, and he displayed a reluctance to address issues or provide necessary information. This resulted in a significant drain on my energy and self-esteem, ultimately leading to health issues and medication use.

I have watched the people who have been fighting for a union be actively retaliated against. When bringing up laboratory safety, people are retaliated against. Whistleblowers are "dramatic and making problems" due to unsafe working environments. In entry level labs, most staff have a full time job at NSF, along with many people continuing their education, and more than 75% working a "side hustle" or part time job. When bringing safety concerns up about people being exhausted and overworked, management will gaslight employees, stating that those bringing it up are lying or are too busy spending their money partying and don't deserve a raise. Friendly reminder that as of 26October2023, you can't even RENT a single room in Washtenaw county for under $1000. That is the average two week paycheck for a technician in the labs. Technicians are regularly using food banks to make ends meet and management shrugs it off.