Follow Kohler:

Kohler Co. — Making Design & Innovation Feel Personal

1. Company Snapshot

• Founded: 1873
• Headquarters: Kohler, Wisconsin, USA
• Size: ~30,000-40,000+ associates globally
• What They Make / Do: Plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, showers), smart kitchen & bath products, tile/furniture/cabinetry (via divisions like Ann Sacks, Robern, etc.), hospitality (resorts, hotels), power and engine systems.

2. Culture & Gen Z Alignment

Innovation & Creative Impact

Kohler emphasizes pushing boundaries in design and engineering. If you like imagining what hasn’t been built yet, whether in smart bathrooms, sustainable materials, or powerful engine systems, this is a place that gives you that space.

Diversity, Inclusion & Authenticity

They talk openly about bringing your whole self to work, an inclusive workplace, and valuing difference. That matters a lot to Gen Z.

Learning & Growth Built In

Kohler offers development and learning programs, and people emphasize internal movement (“from factory floor to product showroom,” etc.). You can “grow above and beyond.”

Work-Life & Wellbeing Considered

They promote “time for work, family and fun,” healthy life support, volunteering, and flexible work modes. So it’s not just grind, it’s also about balance and making the job sustainable.

3. What Employees Say — Positives & Trade-Offs

What’s Great:

• Supportive Environment & Recognition: People say leadership is approachable, achievements are recognized (e.g. “Above and Beyond,” “Impact of the Quarter”).
• Career Mobility: Strong stories of internal promotion, learning on the job, moving across roles.
• Pride in Craft & Purpose: Working at Kohler isn’t just about manufacturing; many report being proud of the design, quality, sustainability, and what the products mean for people’s homes and lives.

What to Consider / Challenges:

• High Expectations & Pace: The push for innovation and maintaining quality can mean tight deadlines, complex projects, and sometimes long hours.
• Work-Life Variation by Role & Location: Some roles (especially manufacturing or product development) may require on-site presence, shift work, etc. Flexibility may depend on team/location.
• Office vs Remote Balance: Some reviews mention that being asked to come into office multiple days a week can be challenging depending on where employees live.

4. Compensation & Benefits Snapshot

Kohler offers competitive compensation and benefits typical of large, privately held manufacturing & design firms. Salary + benefits usually rate well. Employees often mention:

• Good health and wellness support (life, mental health, physical health)
• Opportunities for bonuses or recognition (performance awards, etc.)
• Training programs, skill development, chances to move internally.

But benefits may differ depending on location/role, and work/life balance can vary, some roles demand more time or in-person hours.

5. Why Gen Z Might Thrive at Kohler

• Make Something Real: Whether designing fixtures or engineering smart systems, there’s something physical and visible at the end of the work.
• Blend of Design & Tech: For young people who care about aesthetics and technology, sustainability, smart home integration, this is fertile ground.
• Values That Match: Inclusion, sustainability, creativity, doing work you can be proud of, those are often things Gen Z looks for and Kohler highlights them.
• Own Your Path: Flexibility to move across diverse areas (design, manufacturing, tech, hospitality, power systems) means not being stuck in one lane.

6. What Gen Z Should Ask or Consider

• What does flexibility look like for your role (remote/hybrid vs on-site)?
• How much travel or cross-location work might be expected (especially if in design or product development)?
• What is the feedback / recognition loop like? How regularly are performance reviews, growth conversations held?
• What role will sustainability / ethical practices play in your work? (Since Kohler emphasizes these, but implementation may vary by division)
• What learning & training programs are available early on (internships, co-ops, mentorship)?