Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The organization provides electric utility services to over 8 million households and natural gas to over 1.5 million customers across the Midwest and Southeast.
As a utility provider for six states, Duke Energy employs nearly 30,000 people.
The organization is committed to ensuring each employee has a voice and feels empowered by the workplace culture.
Upper management has worked diligently to create a diverse and inclusive work environment.
As a result, employee turnover is very low.
Most employees stay on with the company for 6.1 years, well above the national average of 3.8 years.
When considering a career with Duke Energy, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Reviews from both past and current employees provide useful insight into the workplace environment, professional growth opportunities, and more.
Read on to learn why Duke Energy consistently makes Business Insider’s list of the 50 Best Employers in America.
Table of Contents
Pros of Working at Duke Energy
1. Competitive Compensation Packages
As an industry leader, Duke Energy appreciates its employees and their contributions to the overall success of the organization.
This Fortune 150 company offers competitive pay, with contributing factors including location, performance, and job description.
While some positions pay below the national average, most compensation packages are 8-17% higher than the national average. In addition to competitive pay, Duke Energy employees receive:
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Premium overtime pay
- Parental leave
- Annual performance bonuses
- Paid time off to volunteer
- Equity in the company
- Charitable donation match
2. Employee Benefits
Duke Energy values its employees and recognizes that a happy workforce is critical to the success of any company.
By investing in its employees, they equally become invested in the organization and its long-term goals and achievements.
One of the most valuable ways Duke Energy gives back to its workforce is through its benefits package, which includes the following:
- Insurance benefits, including options for health, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
- Access to high-quality mental health care
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
- Paid vacations and holidays
- Sick and family care pay
- Adoption assistance
- Competitive 401k matching
3. Employee Discount Program
Duke employee benefits go beyond the standard benefits you might find at other large companies.
Its workforce also has access to the Duke Energy Employee Discount Program.
Through this program, they can find deals on everything from wireless phone plans, vacation and travel, fitness, auto and home insurance, and much more.
Employees who utilize this plan save an average of almost $5,000 annually.
You can even get a discount on a new car, which saves employees an average of $3,500!
4. Positive Workplace Culture
Compensation packages and employee perks are an effective way to attract and retain the industry’s top talent.
While these benefits contribute to the morale of the workforce, Duke Energy recognizes that employees often need more out of their workplace.
Upper management works hard to deliver and maintain a positive work environment.
To do so, they have employed a variety of strategies, including an open-door policy, where employees have a voice and feel respected.
Additionally, Duke Energy has partnered with a number of organizations and institutions for higher learning.
By partnering with groups like the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Human Rights Campaign, the enterprise has created a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
5. Professional Development Program
Employee turnover costs an organization between 100% and 213% of the worker’s salary, depending on their position, salary, and training requirements.
Duke Energy has found that its profits are better spent on investing in its employees and helping them realize their full potential.
Duke Energy employs a variety of tactics for investing in its workforce.
In addition to its diversity program, the organization offers ongoing training, education, and tuition reimbursement.
Employees have access to all of the tools and managerial support needed to expand their knowledge and develop a skill set that takes them far beyond their current position.
Workers are held accountable for their actions and celebrated for their achievements, motivating them to be the very best version of themselves.
6. Making a Positive Impact on the Community
For many employees, it’s important to know that they are part of something bigger; that they’ve made a positive impact on the world around them.
Recognizing this need, the utility provider created the Duke Energy Foundation.
The foundation helps Duke Energy serve its communities beyond providing utility services.
Through charitable contributions and volunteer efforts, the foundation provides grants to various nonprofit organizations in the community.
Its primary focus is on:
- Education
- Environment
- Economic development
- Community Vitality
7. Industry Leader in Innovation
Recognizing that innovation drives economic growth, Duke Energy has invested billions in technology, clean energy, and the industry’s top talent.
Its innovation program, Lighthouse, which is led by employees, has sparked creativity and collaboration and has encouraged consumers to embrace emerging digital technology.
As a Duke Energy employee, you will be participating in bringing about change and inspiring others to help make the world a better place.
Cons of Working at Duke Energy
1. Difficult to Get Hired
Because of the work they do and the number of people relying on them for energy, getting a job with Duke Energy is an arduous process.
Their goal is to only hire individuals who are committed to the organization, long-term.
The hiring process helps identify candidates who are the ideal fit and are passionate about leading the way for energy innovation.
2. Limited Growth Opportunities
Despite the company’s professional growth program, some employees state that the possible growth opportunities at Duke Energy are limited.
Only a small percentage of its workforce utilizes the mentorship program, which provides guidance and feedback for upward movement within the company.
While the professional opportunities are there, some state that it takes a good deal of lateral movement to climb the ranks in the company.
3. Inefficient Training
Duke Energy invests heavily in education and innovation, helping to lead the changes toward cleaner energy sources.
Despite its emphasis on education, though, a recent poll of current and past employees revealed that some individuals feel the company’s training program is severely lacking.
However, other employees feel the opposite, stating they believe the organization is committed to training its employees and providing the necessary resources to perform their jobs well.
In some capacities, opportunities are what you make of them.
4. Long Hours
The energy and natural gas enterprise emphasizes the importance of work/life balance and ensuring its employees have enough downtime to avoid burnout.
While most employees praise Duke Energy for this philosophy, others claim they are or were required to work long hours and that mandatory overtime occurs regularly.
Some individuals may find this a positive, as it usually leads to a larger paycheck.
Still, others may prefer to stick to their scheduled hours and maintain a more healthy work/life balance.
Something to consider before applying.
5. Challenging Work
Like most utility companies, Duke Energy’s customers only call when there is an issue with their service.
By the time the customer speaks with a customer service representative, they are often agitated.
Working in the customer service department requires thick skin and a positive attitude.
Despite these challenges, it can be very rewarding to know you’ve helped a customer out during their time of need.
6. Pay Lower than National Average
A majority of the positions at Duke Energy pay well above the national average for comparable positions.
However, many past employees report that their salaries did not match their responsibilities.
If you’re considering a position with the organization, conduct research prior to your interview.
This will help with salary negotiations and signal to the interviewer that you know your worth.
13 Pros and Cons of Working for Duke Energy – Summary Table
| Pros of Working at Duke Energy | Cons of Working at Duke Energy |
|---|---|
| 1. Competitive Compensation Packages | 1. Difficult to Get Hired |
| 2. Employee Benefits | 2. Limited Growth Opportunities |
| 3. Employee Discount Program | 3. Inefficient Training |
| 4. Positive Workplace Culture | 4. Long Hours |
| 5. Professional Development Program | 5. Challenging Work |
| 6. Making a Positive Impact on the Community | 6. Pay Lower than National Average |
| 7. Industry Leader in Innovation |
Should You Work at Duke Energy?
After analyzing employee reviews across multiple platforms, it’s clear that most Duke Energy employees are satisfied with the organization’s workplace culture.
In fact, over 75% would recommend working for the enterprise.
The average Duke Energy employee earns an annual salary of $51,500 and remains with the company for 6.1 years, nearly double the national average of 3.7.
Candidates with industry experience are preferred, but not necessarily required.
Applying for a career with Duke energy can be a wise decision, but should be approached with any of the preparation and research necessary for any other major life choice.
Ask lots of questions during the interview process, too, as a way of feeling out if the position is right for you and showing off your interview preparedness.
