First Fed Reviews

3.3

56% would recommend to a friend

(43 total reviews)
avatar

Matt Deines

59% approve of CEO

58% positive business outlook

First Fed has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 43 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The First Fed employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Finance industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

43 reviews
2.0
7 Aug 2024

Be Aware - A Company in Decline

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the colleagues are genuinely nice and supportive.

Cons

Exorbitant Benefits Costs: First Fed claims to offer competitive benefits, but the reality is far from it. The premiums are sky-high, and the coverage doesn’t nearly justify the costs. You end up paying more out-of-pocket for basic healthcare needs, making the so-called "benefits" feel like a cruel joke. Forced Return to Office: Despite being hired as a remote employee, First Fed is now pushing staff to return to the office. This abrupt about-face feels like a breach of trust and a blatant disregard for the work-life balance they once promised. The lack of transparency and consideration for employees' personal situations is astounding. Company Downfall: It's clear that First Fed is heading downhill fast. The once-stable bank is plagued with poor management decisions, outdated systems, and a general sense of disorganization. The recent layoffs and budget cuts are a testament to the company’s failing strategy and vision. Toxic Work Environment: The overall morale is incredibly low, and the constant stress of a crumbling company has led to a toxic work culture. There’s a palpable sense of insecurity and anxiety among staff, making it a challenging and unpleasant place to work. In summary, First Fed is a sinking ship, and it’s best to steer clear if you value your career and well-being. The high cost of benefits, the forced return to the office, and the company’s decline make it clear that this organization is no longer a viable place for a meaningful and satisfying career. Save yourself the trouble and look elsewhere.

5.0
17 May 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The place and people are extraordinary here at First Federal. I wanted to work close to the mountains, forests, and ocean, and I wanted to work with capable, nice people. I got both. I knew I would be rewarded with summits and the sea after working on the Olympic Peninsula for much of my adult life. I chose First Federal over other banks because I knew from customers that my coworkers would be good, capable, and wholesome people. Working with nice people was certainly a priority in my job search, and I was right to choose First Federal for a fantastic set of colleagues. I am proud to work for a community bank that is close to the people it serves and motivated to stay close to our home towns instead of exporting people and profits. I have two master’s degrees and have found as much intellectual challenge working for this bank as I am willing to take on. I am very happy to live where millions of people every year visit Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and many other spectacular destinations between them.

Cons

I went to school in New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City. I love the city. I lived in Manhattan and was in love with the subway, night life, and spirited conversations to be had all over the city. I miss all of this, but Mount Olympus has replaced the Empire State Building as the highest summit around. Mountains, rivers, and the ocean are closer to my house than taking the A train from my apartment in Manhattan to Times Square. The trip from my house to Seattle is comparable to taking a Metro North train from New Haven to Grand Central. Living here makes financial sense: rent on my house on an acre of land is $775 a month, and my commute is 7 minutes. That’s the equivalent of a big compensation bonus in light of what have become outrageous rents in the cities. My friends in Seattle and other cities have significantly higher expenses which equate to a pay cut. I spent $1400/month on my one-bedroom in Manhattan in 2004-2005, so I appreciate the instant salary bonus of rural life, suburban work, and urban play. In real economic terms, it makes sense to work for this bank. Furthermore, I can be in forests in 20 minutes and climbing a mountain in 30 minutes. In real recreational terms, it makes sense to work for this bank.

1.0
14 Sept 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the customers were really nice.

Cons

I do not recommend working at first fed. I was reading up in the company while I was working there and noticed that the executives of the company received huge stock bonuses. First fed is a small bank in a relatively small town, and paid most of its front line staff well under the standard pay rate during my employment there. When I questioned why execs got huge bonuses but most staff was underpaid, I was fired without notice. I was offered a 6k settlement to promise not to discuss the firing, but I refused. I do not recommend working for or banking at this company. Also working at the busiest branch led to multiple situations where police were called to remove customers who were causing disruptions or threatening violence.

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Glassdoor has 43 First Fed reviews submitted anonymously by First Fed employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if First Fed is right for you.