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Shrinking US workforce places excessive stress on current talent

Advisory Software Engineer
Current Employee
Has worked at IBM for less than 1 year
March 29, 2010
Somers, New York
2.0
Doesn't RecommendDoesn't Approve of CEO
Pros

Solid, well-known company. Performing well over the last few years; they "beat" the recession. Lots of information available to those who want it.

Cons

The US workforce has been shrinking for years. The typical development team has to coordinate with teams in India, China, and Brazil.

Bonus and salary pools have been shrinking for years. Bonuses are typically prefaced with, "Be happy you are getting a bonus; I had to lay two people off yesterday."

Top appraisals are severely limited in the US and Europe. Management is unable to offer deserving people an appropriate appraisal.

Advice to Management

You can only improve your bottom line for so long without seeking organic growth as well. Top talent is fleeing, and as such, that organic growth will be more difficult. Encourage local teams where people can collaborate face-to-face more frequently.

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