What Do Gibsons Workforce Feel About Working At Gibson?

Opinions of people who work at Gibson—one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world—can vary widely depending on their roles, experiences, and perspectives within the company. Over the years, there have been mixed reviews from employees and ex-employees about working at Gibson, reflecting a range of sentiments about the company’s culture, management, job satisfaction, and the challenges of working for a storied brand in a competitive industry.

Here’s a breakdown of what employees at Gibson have expressed about working there, based on various employee reviews and public insights:

Positive Perspectives

1. Pride in Working for an Iconic Brand:

   • Many employees take great pride in working for Gibson, a company with a rich history and strong legacy in the music industry. Being part of a brand known for its craftsmanship and iconic guitars like the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 gives a sense of prestige and purpose to many who work there.
   • Employees often express excitement about contributing to a product that is cherished by musicians worldwide, and there is a strong sense of identity and pride associated with being part of such a legendary name in music.

2. Opportunities for Passionate Guitar Enthusiasts:

   • Gibson is often seen as a dream job for those passionate about guitars and music. Employees with a deep interest in guitars enjoy being around the product they love, working alongside fellow enthusiasts, and sometimes even getting opportunities to interact with well-known artists.
   • Many employees enjoy the creative and hands-on nature of their work, especially those involved in the design, manufacturing, and setup processes, where they can engage with the craft directly.

3. Employee Benefits and Discounts:

   • Gibson offers some perks, such as employee discounts on guitars and accessories, which can be a significant draw for guitar enthusiasts. There are also benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, which are standard for larger companies.

4. Learning and Skill Development:

   • Some employees appreciate the opportunity to learn and develop their skills, particularly in the fields of woodworking, luthiery, and quality control. Being involved in the production of high-end musical instruments can provide valuable experience and training.

Negative Perspectives

1. Management and Leadership Challenges:

   • A frequent criticism from current and former employees relates to the company's management and leadership, particularly during certain periods of Gibson's history. There have been complaints about a top-down management style that can feel disconnected from the realities on the production floor or customer-facing roles.
   • The company went through significant turmoil and bankruptcy in 2018, which led to leadership changes and restructuring. During this period, there were reported issues with communication, morale, and strategic direction, causing uncertainty among employees.

2. High-Pressure Environment:

   • Some employees have described the working environment at Gibson as high-pressure, with demanding production schedules and tight deadlines. This can lead to stress and a sense that quantity sometimes takes precedence over quality.
   • Employees in production roles have sometimes mentioned that the emphasis on hitting targets can result in rushed work, which may affect product quality and employee satisfaction.

3. Job Insecurity and Frequent Changes:

   • Particularly around the time of Gibson's bankruptcy and subsequent restructuring, there were reports of layoffs and organizational changes that led to job insecurity. Employees have mentioned concerns about stability and the frequent changes in direction and strategy.
   • Changes in leadership or financial difficulties often come with shifts in company culture, priorities, and workforce management, which can lead to uncertainty among employees.

4. Lack of Career Growth Opportunities:

   • Some employees feel that there are limited opportunities for career advancement within the company. While Gibson can be a great place to start for guitar enthusiasts and those entering the music manufacturing industry, opportunities to move up or shift into new roles can be limited, depending on the department.

5. Work-Life Balance Issues:

   • There have been concerns about work-life balance, particularly in roles that require long hours or overtime to meet production demands or during peak periods. This can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction among some employees.

6. Quality Control and Production Concerns:

   • Some employees have mentioned that there were periods where quality control and attention to detail were compromised due to production pressures. This can be particularly frustrating for employees who take pride in the craftsmanship and heritage of Gibson guitars.

Overall Sentiment

The overall sentiment among Gibson employees can vary significantly based on their department, position, and the period during which they worked. Passionate employees who are enthusiastic about guitars and music may find the company fulfilling, while others may struggle with the challenges associated with corporate management, job stability, and workload pressures.

It is worth noting that after its bankruptcy and restructuring in 2018, Gibson brought in new leadership, including James "JC" Curleigh as CEO, with a focus on revitalizing the brand, improving product quality, and addressing past management issues. This has led to some improvements in company culture and strategic direction, but opinions among employees continue to be mixed.