Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Employer Reviews

Deadline driven, cubical infested, corporate publishing arena where six meetings a day is not uncommon, especially toward the end of a program, into reprints, and at the beginning of new assignments. Seemingly impenetrable staffing where contract employees come and go and it is nearly impossible for them to land any lasting or permanent position regardless – more...  of track record. The Editorial departments are always tightly-wound, but sharp, as friendly as you can be in that situation, and efficient as two sets of arms and hands. Other departments, not so much. Recently completed a contract in a newer department suffering from rather poor training, a consistant lack of follow-up, and overhead from a remote supervisor who in one breath allows for the learning curve, but showed no leniency in light of that same concavity. The most enjoyable part of the job was the fact that everyone else was on the same narrow edge of whether or not they would have their job tomorrow. That allowed for some humorous moments each day, especially when management would pay for a meal every so often to keep up moral after a wave of layoffs. The people themselves were the sugar that made the pill of working in a corporate publishing house easier to swallow. I learned that I should not rely on anyone's word and that personal loyalties, for the most part, end without notice, unprovoked. Much like certain positions. A keen lesson in obsolescence. – less

I learned a lot working at this company. Everyone on the staff
and the co-workers were all very willing to train and help out
when I needed it.

report to my designated area, print work orders, label boxes, pick & pack orders, clean area & restock for next day, then see where help was needed in other areas.
no room for advancement, management not helpful in working with you to learn.
co-workers/ too many liked to disappear a lot & for extended period of times, cell phone usage on the floor was – more...  a problem, not much for helping others- lack of team concept instilled even though talked about frequently.
not enough people to do the work.
enjoyed monthly group lunches; pizza, squealers, grill-outs, etc which was paid for by social committee budget – less

I began working here because I wanted to move to Austin and my previous employer was laying people off due to financial trouble.

I have been with HMH for 18 years and have been a part of many changes along the way especially in the production department. We are now entering a paperless work-flow while converting from a print to a customized digital product. HMH is a publishing leader defending it's right to stay at the top.

Interacted with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to address and resolve complaints.