What's the company culture at Nielsen Media Research?

Every business has it's own style. What is the office environment and culture like at Nielsen Media Research?

Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers?

What is a typical day in the life of an employee at Nielsen Media Research?

Houston market is not any better and you get treated like an outcast if you don't participate in all their little antics! My husband always told me the stories and he only stayed because he could not get another job. This company has serious moral issues and they don't care about family, all they care about are the numbers and not the person. Sounds like sour grapes to some people but you would have to work for this company to understand! You need to find another job and trust me I know it is hard especially when you have to give up the cars and benefits and take another job like my husband did with no benefits because he is working for a small company. I am self employed and getting health insurance is expensive and with giant deductibles, but I am happy! I just would like my husband to find that happiness, it was not at Nielsen! Keep you chin up and don't let them drag you down to their level.

I'll echo Zack's comments, why Nielsen does not invoke a drug testing policy for employees is beyond me. In the role of membership representative, you are required to attend the "installs," basically the day the Nielsen boxes are installed in the home. While most of the technicians are good, it is true that many are habitual drug users, mostly pot and yes, they do show up stoned on occasion. And, yes, management is incredibly hostile and tend to violate numerous employment laws. Management limits overtime, with a wink and a nod. In other words, you need to work extra hours off the clock, with excess paperwork, administrative work, etc.

Also, Debby is dead on on the company not caring at all about work/life balance. I poured my heart and soul into the job, worked pretty much seven days a week, traveled out of state, etc. and still got screwed. Management can play games with your assignments and it boils down to a popularity contest on who gets the good "leads." Let's just say there is a lot of "tit for tat" that goes on. If you are a non-Hispanic, straight, white male, good luck, you are not wanted in the company. As Debby wrote, you have to work for the company to understand. They want your life to be Nielsen 24/7, it's a joke.

Nielsen is NOT a research company, it is a sales company. MR's that lie and bs households into participating are rewarded, those who are honest and forthright are not wanted because it is all about the bottom line. If you want a sales job, there are thousands out there that pay better and that won't invade your life or your conscience.