ContentSquare

Flexible remote policy (for now), offering some degree of work-life adaptability.

A good product (Hotjar, not a CS platform which UX/UI is terrible) with interesting technology at its core.

Some exceptionally kind, hardworking, and smart colleagues across the company (Hotjarians).

Post-acquisition, Hotjar has been systematically dismantled by Contentsquare, stripped of everything that once made it a beacon of innovation and employee satisfaction. The transition to corporatism is almost complete, with a leadership that is seemingly oblivious to the widespread discontent among its ranks.

The CEO, far from being the inspiring figurehead a tech company needs, has become emblematic of everything wrong with the tech industry's leadership stereotypes—accused of sexism and a cavalier attitude that dismisses genuine concerns with a wave of the "I'm French" excuse. As for Mo, the trust once placed in him by employees has evaporated following a sell-out that appears to have been motivated more by personal gain than concern for Hotjar's future or its staff.

Engineers and other key talent are fleeing in droves, a testament to the toxic environment and lack of faith in the company's direction. Their departure signals not just a loss of manpower but the disintegration of Hotjar's soul.

I'm witnessing a mass exodus, as the brightest minds seek refuge elsewhere, leaving behind those of us who feel trapped in a sinking ship. The realization hits hard—I feel like a sucker for not having given my notice yet, tormented by the notion that the smarter ones have already escaped this corporate dystopia.

In an era where employee benefits are being slashed, the company's leadership spares no expense on opulent gatherings, a glaring contrast to the austerity imposed on its workforce. This extravagance is a slap in the face to employees who once took pride in Hotjar's commitment to its people.

The irony of extravagant corporate retreats amidst a backdrop of cut benefits and austerity measures is a bitter pill to swallow. It underscores a leadership that prioritizes its own extravagance over the well-being of its people.

Any advice feels futile, as if destined to be met with the standard corporate non-response of "we will consider it." In truth, it seems the ship has sailed, and with it, any hope of rekindling the spirit that once made Hotjar a remarkable place to work.

The leadership's actions have spoken louder than any words could, leaving a once-thriving company culture in ruins.

Offering advice to a leadership so deeply entrenched in its ways feels like shouting into the void.