Post 40

Citi has a culture that supports misogyny, gender bias, and a wide array of unethical employment practices.

For close to 20 years I have witnessed and, at times, been subjected to all of the above. For the most part, Citi reinforces an environment of apathy towards whistleblowers or those who “complain”. This is despite a firmwide message (and internal training) that every employee should speak up if they see or are subject to any action that is unethical or harmful. Citi doesn’t practice what they preach in any of those trainings. At all.

I was asked to relocate to a city that was a “lower cost” center than where I was originally based to help start up a team. Another NY colleague (male) also made the move, and when we arrived, I was told I was going to report to him. Same C level. Ok, I was eager to prove what I could build, made the move and jumped right in. Soon it became apparent through conversations with mutual colleagues that had strong inside information that his salary was kept intact while mine was decreased 15% (HR said due to lower cost city salary impact).

Not one year after moving, the male colleague moved to another firm, and I interviewed for and got his position. Though not with a salary increase. I was told by HR that that type of salary jump wasn’t possible. So they could decrease a salary by 15% but then not make it whole by the same amount? I formally complained to HR and, after “investigation”, was told I couldn’t prove his salary wasn’t lowered when he moved. They said they could provide me with internal postings that may be better suited, but wouldn’t be in my current city, seeing as I was in a “low-cost center”. I had just moved my entire life across multiple states, and therefore stayed and figured I would prove myself because Citi would see my value and increase my salary at some point, right? I was wrong.

I eventually grew the team to 6x the original size and became global in scope. My responsibilities were vast and now the role should warrant that increase at least back to my original Citi salary, right? Nope. I continued to build the team, surpassing goals, working 24/7, and receiving high ratings, internal awards, and praise from colleagues throughout the firm. Now I should warrant that increase, right? Nope. I was told over and over, by male managers, that it wasn’t possible. I was even told at one point that I was too “pushy” and was “building an army”. No, I was hiring a professional team to do a job important to the goals of Citi for the business and clients based on projects and deliverables assigned to me by the firm.

I went back to HR with metrics, examples etc. – crickets.

Finally, at one point, a male interim head gave me a 10% “raise” – I was overjoyed. At last, Citi was moving me back towards the original salary I earned over 8 years prior (when I had a smaller team and fewer responsibilities). They are finally seeing my worth. Nope. I came to learn it was a salary “shift”, not a raise. Back to square one. I complained to HR again, seeing as this was delivered at year-end as a raise, not a shift – crickets.

This is ONE example of many experiences that I have, and it illustrates the inequity and gender bias at Citi. After being here for 20 years, the level of discrimination against women has actually worsened with the current leadership. Great, talented women who have vast financial acumen are walking out the door, and for good reason.

I thank everyone who started this site and who has posted. The gaslighting at Citi makes me feel insane on a daily basis and question my worth, and hearing these stories makes me realize I AM SANE, I SHOULD BE VALUED, and I AM NOT ALONE. THANK YOU!!

Citi should take heed as they are rotting from the inside out, thanks to their approach towards women around unethical employment practices, false narratives and the weaponization of HR by leadership.

I know I need to get out.