The first personal computer started the Internet age, where everyone could access forums, play video games and communicate from their homes.
Now, Apple has evolved considerably, offering vast products and services to customers. However, its biggest competitor is Samsung, the South Korean multinational that provides cheaper and, sometimes, well reviewed devices. Their rivalry is debated daily, with fans of each brand often battling about the product’s features and qualities.
Many ex-workers released stories from their experience at Apple, and we’re here to explore the pros and cons of working at the multinational of Silicon Valley.
Work Conditions May Be Underwhelming
One single Google search will direct you to plenty of working issues around the work, from breaking Chinese labour laws to providing rat-filled dorms for Indian factory workers. The pre-pandemic working conditions around global Apple manufacturing locations were questionable, and the company was often the news headline around that time for numerous claims.
Generally, the main problems involved Foxconn, about working prolonged hours and being in difficult-to-handle conditions. These factors hinder productivity and human rights and can lead to work accidents. If employees get injured from a company’s harsh work demands, they can claim compensation if the company’s breach of duty can be proven, according to PersonalInjuryClaimsUK.org.uk.
However, winning such cases with massive companies like Foxconn, Luxshare, or GoerTek can take some time, and workers must have thorough evidence of the accident’s causes and medical records proving the health issue is severe.
Upper Workers are Encouraged to Innovate
Working conditions are harsh in manufacturing locations, but when it comes to those directly implied in the product’s design and implementation, Apple is always open to new ideas and concepts that can shake the market and place the business on top of the competition. Therefore, if you’re young and creative, working at Apple is the best place to showcase your talent.
Many potential candidates appreciate the design-centric approach at Apple, but also current employees. The quality commitment helps bright ideas flow naturally in the company, where everyone is recognized for contributing to Apple products.
Researching other employees’ words will help you decide if Apple is for you. The company has numerous working sectors, so whether you’re looking into retail or design, you can rely on reviews.
Inconsistent Working Hours in Retail
While Apple retail can be a great starting point in your career, a common issue about this industry is the inconsistency in working hours. Hence, you might be expected to work overtime or deal with the ever-changing shift program, which can be tiring sometimes.
This former employee’s experience tells the story of a slow hiring process for the role of Technical Specialist. The first year of working at Apple was pretty rewarding, but when the iPhone had some serious problems with its batteries, more challenges followed. Hence, the company’s leadership showed its fangs by putting a lot of pressure on employees to contribute to productivity.
Eventually, during the pandemic, Apple changed the work dynamic, where workers could voluntarily take the lead in customer service, regardless of their current position. The lack of adequate training, old devices and stressful shifts led to the person’s mental health decline.
Internships & Student Opportunities
Before working at Apple, talented students can apply for internships and benefit from numerous opportunities to prepare for a future working at Apple. College students can apply to undergraduate or graduate internship positions, which cover an array of sectors. You can work and learn in numerous countries in NLP teams, machine learning or marketing.
Another option is participating in the Apple Support College Advisor program, where you can work remotely in customer support for one year. You’ll receive nine training weeks, settled following your class schedule. The only requirements involve having a 2.7 GPA or higher and enrolling in at least one college class.
Some of the benefits provided to Apple employees involve stocks, health insurance, paid family leave and discounts. In some cases, Apple workers can gradually return after parental leave and benefit from on-site doctors at wellness centres in some locations.
Work-Life Balance is Challenging to Maintain
Employees at Apple described their lifestyles as challenging to handle because of the balance between the intensive workloads and personal lives. Indeed, Apple is demanding a lot from employees, from total loyalty to consistent interest in developing the company.
However, the lack of a fixed schedule and sudden tasks might affect people’s mental and physical health since the stress can lead to burnout and weight gain. Unfortunately, when you’re always connected to your laptop and cannot leave because you want to perform better, your body signals the lifestyle through a series of hormonal changes.
If you can’t leave the stressful job, it’s advised to implement a self-care routine of taking regular breaks, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol and spending time outdoors. Cravings can also be limited by drinking enough water and eating regular and nourishing meals.
What do You Think About the Apple Working Environment?
Apple is an American multinational through which the internet era boomed at the beginning of the 21st century. Its excellence and consistency brought it to where it is now: a successful business that delivers high-tech products.
Still, behind the hit are employers who are not always in the best conditions. Manufacturing and retail are the most gruesome sectors to work at Apple, because they’re demanding and will push for excellence.
But there are huge benefits to working at Apple, such as plenty of internships for students and innovative sectors where creativity and innovation are appreciated. So, what’s your choice?
