When do you think we'll get our next Communique? I thought it was supposed to be every month so we'd have a clue what was going on. This is just like what happened with JH-they let us know what's going on for a while and then just get lazy. Maybe... — read more
Follett F’ed me one last time
Was expecting to see my vacation payout on my last check. However, to my surprise, those hours were not paid. Any clue as to why this would happen?
Communication
Communication is still not at the level that it needs to be. Seems like the new company is going with the flow of the old company executives. We are still being directed with the same bad policy and mindsets that buried the company. It's a sad day... — read more
Very bad moves
Very bad moves have become the norm here. I'm not impressed at all. All recent leadership moves are destructive. I don’t remember the last time leadership made a good move. Do they even care about Follett's future? Or do they just have short-term... — read more
What’s happening?
I’m no longer with Follett but seeing post of RM’s getting laid off? Hopefully not some good ones!
Congrats on “Promotion”
Glad to see JH get “promoted” to new business only. Her lack of leadership or even personal connection made her a horrible manager. Maybe the company will actually thrive without her in the way. Now it’s time to take the JH minion GVPs out of their... — read more
Store level expectations
I have heard that stores are expected (or being asked) to increase sales by 10% and to come up with ideas of how to do that. Anyone have suggestions? I can't imagine textbooks, it is a difficulty to sell them at all, nevermind a 10% increase.
New Round of Layoffs
When will a new round of layoffs happen at Follett? What's your prediction?
Not paid enough for any hassles
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2018/10/31/why-arent-wages-keeping-up-its-not-the-economy-its-management/?sh=2a2d19c1397e If this company should survive, it needs to pay enough to retain employees
Ma------a testing different states.
I was recently offered a new position in a state where ma------a has not been legalized. I am coming from a state where it is. The offer letter states I may be dr-g tested. As an internal hire will I be tested?
Consider these four items
*google- the layoffs at CVS-Coremark. Because of the timing I would think it was begun while our new leaders were still in charge. *think of your salary. At 800 dollars a week that is 20 dollars an hour. The brand new employee at Subway, gas station... — read more
So why exactly would someone call Follett?
So now that the majority of Follett has been turned over to other investors, what exactly does Follett do? Is there anything going on at Woodridge or is it now just a vacant building with millions of books in the warehouse that are worthless? I was... — read more
Resume Updates!
I think we can all agree that brushing up our resumes is a good idea. What are some Follett-specific task, talents, or skills we can list? What do our store systems like coursetracks, mms, and corepos qualify as (other than trash)? Funny or serious... — read more
Everything is a deadline
I understand the need for deadlines, but we get absolutely pummeled with them. I don’t have high hopes, but I wish to see changes regarding excessive due dates. How can we possibly meet all of those without adequate amounts of staff?
Look up CVS on this site
Follett employees can see their future by looking up CVS on this (the layoff) site. “Love This” especially interesting. If you thought things were bleak before , it looks like things will only get worse.
New RM for R42
With the recently opened post of RM for 42 appearing, is Follett likely to divide the stores into other regions & save the payroll on a new RM?
Weekly Payroll Monitoring
Who here is excited for the "new and improved" payroll cuts and weekly assignments? Lol. Real smart forcing out all the store staff right before grad season. Real geniuses working in the HO, let me tell ya.
Scandal at the top already? CVS Se-ual Harassment Coverup
The new CEO came from CVS and he said he oversaw the east part of the country with his peer overseeing the other half of the US. Given that he lives in the east by New Jersey, he has to be the direct “superior” of the accused and very high... — read more
In times of crisis you expect a leader to lead
At Follett it is impossible to expect the leadership to lead, because that will never happen. Sometimes I think it's best not to care for this company at all. Still, I have been here for many years, I used to love working here and of course I can't... — read more
Old Regime
Anyone know what the old group is up to from Corporate? They find jobs yet? Did anyone let them know they forgot JH? RM, CW, TL, TH, MS, and BM
Notre Dame - update
https://ndworks.nd.edu/news/bookstore-management-to-transition-over-spring-break/#partner Though a loss for Follett, it's good to know that the previous Follett staff was offered jobs and most are staying onboard...or at least that what this article... — read more
Stagnant wages - Death by a thousand cuts
Although I appreciated the recent three percent wage increase, the overall cost of living over the the past decade and our stagnant wages is really starting to destroy me. That was even before the most recent round of inflation. My actual hiring... — read more
Can this sinking ship be saved?
I still have hope, but not much.
Action Required
The master/servant culture needs to end. And it starts at the top. The mindset of established “leaders” are self serving and will never contribute to a one team culture. The “we are the experts” mentality will keep driving poor results. The (we... — read more
Are we sure severance will be provided in case of layoffs?
I've been reading up and it turns out companies are not obligated to provide severance to employees they're laying off. I was certain there was a law that said they have to but it turns out I was wrong. Now I'm worried more than ever. What are the... — read more
What needs to change?
EK said he wants to know what needs to change. Let’s list them here. I will start it off with drop ship vendors, why are they sending product if it is not paid for? We should not be wasting time at store level collecting on bad debt. Why isn’t... — read more
C'mon, lay me off!
There would be nothing better than taking the package and leaving, right?
union track record
What are Francisco Partners & Jefferson River Capital's records when it comes to dealing with labor unions?
Soon to be closed, or will they try to save them?
It is not my intention to spread rumors because I do not have any reliable information, it is just my personal opinion. Take it with a grain of salt, but it could very soon happen that unprofitable stores get closed. My store is doing very poorly... — read more
Don’t be delusional
Folks, you are sadly mistaken if you think working for a PE group isn’t about making shareholders money. You got a pretty good preview yesterday on the call. The one team culture. What do you think that means? From the research I did on the new... — read more
I can't believe what I'm reading
I left recently. Now I'm wondering what's going on, is it true that the company was sold or did I misinterpret someone's post?
What are your expectations from this change?
This company needed a change, but I hope we will not be disappointed even more?
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Today is the long awaited day friends. Good luck and hope everyone fairs well. If they respected you, they would have told you first and not your business contacts. Let’s hope the next ‘leaders’ are actually that.
Business Update Feb 2
So is this business update just that an update? Or will we see something major? Glad TL could take the time to address his company.
Follett will not exist in a few years
Follett's current business model and the way they operate their stores is simply not sustainable for much longer. The cracks are turning into canyons. Every year things get worse and worse, and the decline in even just the past year has been... — read more
Who's in charge?
Very quiet from the Tower from the CEO and Presidents. Do they even work here anymore?
Book Fairs business sold
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/88313-literati-acquires-follett-book-fairs.html