Expedia Group

Getting the chance to work with some really smart people; a more casual and easy-going work environment and dress code than most companies.

This used to be a fun and creative company with a startup-like culture, especially in engineering. No more! Unfortunately, under the new management (after Dara Khosrowshahi left), Expedia is fast turning into another boring corporation.

This used to be a place where people had fun at work and enjoyed themselves. Right now, it's a lonely place where people are hiding behind their headphones, like at so many other companies.

Mark Orkestrom seems to be a promotional CEO, and even his laughter seems rehearsed. Personally, I don't trust much of what he says.

A lot of the inspirational leaders like Aman Bhutani have been leaving in droves and have been replaced with careerists who try their best to make people work harder and harder. This leaves less time to work smart, be creative, and come up with new ideas.

The company has been on a path to centralization and unification, which actively discourages trying new things and forces everyone to use the same tools and methodologies.

On top of this, you have the long-term Expedia problems with company cult-like culture, active promotion of certain social and political views, and constant reorganizations.

The turnover is extremely high, to the point that there is not much stability at all. Getting a promotion is very difficult when your manager changes every year, sometimes even twice a year.

Last but not least, benefits have been cut. For example, the healthcare provider was replaced with one offering fewer benefits and less encouragement for a healthier lifestyle.

Loyal employees are not really rewarded for sticking with the company. The three extra days of leave people used to get after five years of loyal service have been scrapped.

Personally, I got a promotion without any salary increase at all. As a result, a lot of loyal employees have been packing their bags in the last year or two.

No wonder the company is no longer anywhere near the best places to work in the UK on Glassdoor, a list it used to top. Even worse, I feel that with the current management team, Expedia as a place to work is heading only one way – down!

Go back to Expedia's roots as a creative and entertaining place to work. Get rid of the workaholics, especially among management, that ruin the work environment. Encourage working smart instead of working hard.