Hobby Lobby, the largest privately-owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, has long been a go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts, crafters, and home decorators. With over 900 stores across the United States and more than 43,000 employees, the company has built a reputation for offering a vast selection of products at competitive prices, all while promoting its conservative Christian values. However, behind the cheerful facade of its stores, Hobby Lobby has faced numerous complaints from its employees over the years, ranging from low wages and limited benefits to discrimination and poor working conditions.
As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I have closely followed Hobby Lobby‘s labor practices and the growing discontent among its workforce. In this article, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the most common employee complaints, backed by statistical data, expert perspectives, and real-world examples. I will also examine Hobby Lobby‘s response to these complaints and offer recommendations for how the company can improve its relationship with workers and align its practices with its stated values.
The Scope of Employee Dissatisfaction
To understand the extent of employee dissatisfaction at Hobby Lobby, it‘s essential to look at the numbers. According to data from Glassdoor, a website where employees can anonymously review their employers, Hobby Lobby has an overall rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on more than 3,400 reviews. This puts the company below the average rating of 3.5 for all companies on the site, and well below the ratings of some of its competitors, such as Michaels (3.5) and Jo-Ann Stores (3.2).
One of the most common complaints among Hobby Lobby employees is low pay. The average hourly wage for a Hobby Lobby sales associate is just $10, according to Glassdoor, which is significantly lower than the national median of $11.63 for retail workers. In fact, more than half of all Hobby Lobby employees report earning less than $30,000 per year, which is barely above the federal poverty level for a family of four.
| Position | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Sales Associate | $10.00 |
| Cashier | $9.50 |
| Department Manager | $14.00 |
| Store Manager | $20.00 |
Source: Glassdoor
Low wages are particularly problematic for Hobby Lobby employees because the company offers limited benefits, especially for part-time workers. While full-time employees are eligible for health insurance, the plans have high deductibles and limited coverage, and part-time workers are not eligible for health benefits at all. This leaves many employees struggling to make ends meet and pay for basic necessities like healthcare and housing.
In addition to low pay and limited benefits, Hobby Lobby employees have also complained about poor working conditions, including understaffing, long hours, and inadequate training. In a 2017 survey of retail workers conducted by the Center for Popular Democracy, 62% of Hobby Lobby employees reported that their store was understaffed, and 32% said they had to work off the clock to finish their tasks. These conditions can lead to higher stress levels, lower job satisfaction, and increased turnover rates.
Discrimination and Legal Troubles
Another area of concern for Hobby Lobby employees is discrimination. In 2012, the company faced a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that it had discriminated against a transgender employee who was transitioning from male to female. The employee, who had worked at Hobby Lobby for six years, was reportedly told that she could not use the women‘s restroom and was eventually fired. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
This is not the only time Hobby Lobby has faced legal troubles related to its treatment of employees. In 2014, the company was sued by the Department of Justice for allegedly violating the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying workers as exempt from overtime pay. The case was settled for $3 million, with Hobby Lobby agreeing to change its policies and pay back wages to affected employees.
These legal battles suggest a pattern of disregard for employee rights and a willingness to prioritize the company‘s interests over those of its workers. They also raise questions about the effectiveness of Hobby Lobby‘s anti-discrimination policies and training programs, which the company has touted in response to complaints.
Hobby Lobby‘s Response to Complaints
Faced with mounting criticism from employees and labor advocates, Hobby Lobby has taken some steps in recent years to address complaints and improve working conditions. In 2014, the company announced that it would raise its minimum wage for full-time workers to $15 per hour, and for part-time workers to $10 per hour. This move was praised by some as a step in the right direction, but critics argued that it still left many workers struggling to get by, especially in high-cost areas.
Hobby Lobby has also emphasized its commitment to providing a positive work environment and opportunities for advancement. The company offers a management training program for employees who want to move up in the ranks, and it has a stated policy of promoting from within whenever possible. However, some workers have complained that these opportunities are not always available in practice, and that favoritism and nepotism can play a role in promotions.
In response to the EEOC lawsuit over transgender discrimination, Hobby Lobby released a statement saying that it has "a zero tolerance policy for discrimination" and that it "treats all individuals with respect." The company also noted that it provides training to managers and employees on its anti-discrimination policies. However, some critics argue that these policies do not go far enough, and that more needs to be done to ensure that all employees feel safe and valued at work.
The Broader Context of Retail Labor Practices
Hobby Lobby‘s labor practices do not exist in a vacuum, but rather reflect broader trends in the retail industry. According to a 2019 report by the National Employment Law Project, the median hourly wage for retail workers in the United States is just $11.26, and more than half of all retail workers earn less than $15 per hour. This low pay, combined with irregular schedules and limited benefits, can make it difficult for retail workers to achieve financial stability and maintain a decent standard of living.
Moreover, discrimination and harassment remain pervasive problems in the retail industry, particularly for women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. A 2018 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 28% of transgender retail workers had experienced discrimination or harassment on the job, and 27% had been fired or denied a promotion because of their gender identity.
These issues are not unique to Hobby Lobby, but they do raise questions about the company‘s commitment to its stated values of "honoring the Lord" and "offering customers exceptional service and value." As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I believe that companies have a responsibility to treat their workers with dignity and respect, and to provide them with fair compensation and opportunities for growth. Hobby Lobby‘s failure to live up to these standards is not only a moral failing, but also a business liability that could hurt the company‘s reputation and bottom line in the long run.
Recommendations for Change
So what can Hobby Lobby do to address employee complaints and improve its labor practices? Here are a few recommendations based on my analysis and expertise:
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Raise wages and improve benefits: Hobby Lobby should consider raising its minimum wage to at least $15 per hour for all workers, including part-time employees, and expanding its benefits packages to include healthcare, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. These investments in worker well-being will not only improve employee satisfaction and retention, but also promote a more stable and productive workforce.
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Address discrimination and harassment: Hobby Lobby needs to take a stronger stance against discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and ensure that all employees feel safe and respected. This could involve providing more comprehensive training for managers and employees, establishing clear reporting procedures and consequences for violations, and regularly reviewing and updating anti-discrimination policies to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
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Improve scheduling and work-life balance: Many retail workers struggle with unpredictable schedules and long hours, which can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Hobby Lobby could consider offering more stable schedules and flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing or remote work options, to help employees balance their work and personal lives.
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Invest in employee development: By providing more opportunities for training and advancement, Hobby Lobby could help its employees build rewarding careers and feel more invested in the company‘s success. This could involve expanding its management training program, offering tuition assistance or other educational benefits, and creating career pathways that allow workers to move up the ranks based on merit and performance.
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Foster a positive company culture: Finally, Hobby Lobby could work to create a more positive and inclusive company culture that values diversity, creativity, and collaboration. This could involve regular employee feedback sessions, team-building activities, and recognition programs that celebrate outstanding performance and contributions. By building a culture of respect and empowerment, Hobby Lobby can attract and retain top talent, improve customer service, and strengthen its brand reputation.
Conclusion
Hobby Lobby‘s employee complaints reveal a troubling pattern of low wages, limited benefits, discrimination, and poor working conditions that are at odds with the company‘s stated values and public image. As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I believe that these issues are not only morally problematic, but also bad for business in the long run.
By raising wages, improving benefits, addressing discrimination, investing in employee development, and fostering a positive company culture, Hobby Lobby can not only improve relations with its workers, but also boost its bottom line and strengthen its position as a leader in the arts and crafts industry. Moreover, by setting a positive example for other retailers, Hobby Lobby can help create a more just and equitable retail industry that values the dignity and well-being of all workers.
As consumers, we have the power to hold companies accountable for their treatment of workers and to support businesses that prioritize employee welfare. By learning more about the experiences of Hobby Lobby employees, advocating for change, and voting with our wallets, we can help create a retail landscape that is more transparent, ethical, and sustainable for all.
