3.0
14 May 2024

Decaying culture
Software Engineer
Current employee, more than 1 year


Pros
The work atmosphere was once very collaborative, with managers serving more as mentors. Teams had the freedom to make decisions and innovate, which allowed them to perform at their highest level.

There are good benefits, such as a budget for learning and occasional remote work options. Additionally, the goal of developing technology for societal benefit is significant.


Cons
The atmosphere has significantly deteriorated over the past year. The attempt to rapidly hire and promote numerous middle managers resulted in many teams feeling disempowered, as they had to continually satisfy a layer of management that lacked the experience to provide proper guidance or value. Some of these middle managers turned to micromanagement, further demoralizing the teams. Many new hires left within six months or failed probation, and several employees were let go due to unclear expectations. This created a highly anxious environment, with teams fearing job security and causing significant organizational turbulence. Recently, many talented individuals have been leaving or are being let go, indicating that this is not a sustainable long-term organization.


Advice to Management
Managers should focus on empowering their teams rather than micromanaging. Leadership must identify and address toxic behavior promptly to maintain a healthy work environment. Eliminating a culture of blame is crucial, as it benefits no one. Effective managers know how to position their teams to utilize their strengths and thrive. Managers who cannot maintain professionalism ie be biased based on their personal relationships, should not hold managerial roles.