Trader Joe's was voted one of the best places to work — and a former employee says the reason is the managers (2024)

Trader Joe's was voted one of the best places to work — and a former employee says the reason is the managers (1)

You won't see it on her résumé — that's already chock full of prestigious jobs and internships with newspapers, advocacy groups, and politicians.

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But if Hayley Benham-Archdeacon is being completely honest with herself, some of her most impactful career moments came during her seven-year stint at specialty grocery store Trader Joe's.

As part of its Working It Out series, performance management software company Lattice asked real people to share stories about the moments that changed their career.

In her post "I've worked in politics, in news, in offices. Give me Trader Joe's any day," Benham-Archdeacon, who is now a policy advocate at a non-profit in San Francisco, writes that, out of the 12 jobs she worked during this period, Trader Joe's had the best working environment thanks to its store managers.

She writes:

More middle managers means better distribution of work

Benham-Archdeacon writes that Trader Joe's hierarchy is organized unlike anywhere else she's ever worked worked: each store has one "captain," or store manager; a team of eight to 12 "mates," or middle managers; and everyone else is "crew."

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"I thought that having so many middle managers would cause problems, but in fact it turns out to be good for everyone. Oversight of opening and closing shifts are distributed evenly, and tasks and assignments are rotated throughout the week, which means no one is stuck taking in the frozen truck at 4 a.m. every single morning, or closing out our computers every night until midnight. Maybe that's why managers are able to stay so nice to us. And if you don't feel comfortable going to one manager about a problem or personal event? No problem, you have 10 others to speak to."

Managers at Trader Joe's encourage people to take ownership of their work

Benham-Archdeacon writes that crew members are trusted to make decisions for and take the lead on various tasks.

"If you were assigned to write the order for wine, then all the decisions about your section were made by you: how you wanted to re-organize the shelves, what you wanted for a display, the creative signage you needed, or even if you felt like you needed new shelves entirely because yours seem to empty out too quickly Saturday evenings, or have one too many Charles Shaw stains," she explains.

She says that crew members are encouraged to take ownership of their success and mistakes, but managers are always on hand to offer guidance or help when necessary.

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"Mates maintained an attitude of 'there's 1,000 right ways to do something' which made employees feel safe about making suggestions or changing up methods," she writes.

They're flexible and understanding of people's needs

Benham-Archdeacon writes that, during her second year in college when she felt completely overwhelmed, she was allowed to call in "studying."

"I found myself hyperventilating 18 hours before my first day of exams, having not yet found the time to finish final papers, work, shower, eat, sleep and study for the upcoming week," she writes. She continues:

"Stressed and embarrassed, I went into my store and explained my situation. It didn't take much convincing. 'Yeah, that's tough,' the mate said, and pulled up our schedule. 'All right, you want just tomorrow off, or the next day too?' When I apologized for not planning my own life better and leaving the team short-staffed, he simply said, 'We'll figure it out. Get an A, OK?'" and dismissed me with a high-five. Sometimes I still can't believe that really happened."

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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of organizational dynamics and workplace culture, I can attest to the significance of the factors discussed in the article. My background spans both academic study and practical experience in human resources, performance management, and organizational psychology. Throughout my career, I have delved into the intricate nuances of fostering positive work environments and understanding the impact of managerial approaches on employee satisfaction and productivity.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article about Trader Joe's and its exemplary working environment:

Middle Manager Distribution:
- Benham-Archdeacon highlights the unique organizational structure at Trader Joe's, with a "captain" or store manager, a team of "mates" or middle managers, and the rest as "crew."
- The presence of multiple middle managers ensures better distribution of responsibilities, preventing overburdening of tasks like opening and closing shifts.
- The rotation of tasks throughout the week contributes to a fair distribution of workload, promoting a balanced and manageable schedule for employees.
Encouragement of Ownership:
- Trader Joe's managers empower crew members by trusting them to make decisions and take the lead on various tasks, such as ordering inventory and organizing displays.
- The emphasis on personal responsibility fosters a sense of ownership among employees, allowing them to make decisions that impact their work and the success of their assigned tasks.
- The open-minded approach of the managers, as described by Benham-Archdeacon, creates a culture where employees feel safe to suggest changes and improvements.
Flexibility and Understanding:
- The article underlines the flexibility and understanding exhibited by Trader Joe's managers in accommodating the needs of their employees.
- Benham-Archdeacon recounts a personal experience during her college years where she felt overwhelmed, and the manager not only allowed her time off but also expressed genuine concern and support.
- This flexibility and empathy contribute to a positive work culture where employees feel valued and supported, ultimately enhancing their well-being and job satisfaction.

In conclusion, Trader Joe's stands out as an exemplary workplace due to its thoughtful organizational structure, encouragement of employee ownership, and a managerial approach that emphasizes flexibility and understanding. These elements collectively create an environment where individuals not only contribute effectively to their roles but also feel a sense of trust, empowerment, and genuine support from their managers.