IBM

This will be a short list, but in the interest of being unbiased:

• Learned what I DON'T want in a job and employer
• Talented and driven co-workers
• You learn a lot technically due to constant change, shortage, and mismanagement
• Looks good on a resume

This was my first full-time job out of university. I realized it was not a good place to work after a few months, but the extent of just how bad it was compared to other companies did not dawn on me until I moved to another company four years later. Here are some highlights:

• Salary growth below the rate of inflation. <10% in 4.5 years, including a promotion raise.
• Severe technical mismanagement. Developers are constantly moved around and put on problems that need to be solved ASAP with no training or opportunity to specialize.
• Extreme pressure from management to perform due to the low productivity caused by their own mismanagement.
• Utter disrespect and disregard for technical staff and their skills.
• Negative social culture and attitude fostered by the lack of raises and comparative ranking system.
• Cheap. Absolutely no money spent on employee outings, team building, or other social events.

Offer competitive salaries and keep them competitive if the employee is doing a good job.

Don't try to cheat on the above point by raising the standards such that 90% of your workforce isn't doing a "good enough" job. Get rid of the oppressive comparative rating system designed to do this.

Give employees proper training and allow them to specialize to increase productivity.

Offer opportunities for growth and chances for upward and lateral mobility to suit these needs.

Get rid of lies, propaganda, and worthless, time-wasting, buzzword-filled meetings.