IBM

1. Very wide product portfolio. You can learn almost everything in the software world if you wish.
2. Good work-life balance.
3. Friendly environment.
4. Switching between roles is relatively easy.

1. Over the last few years, IBM/ISL has gone down the pay ladder, offering below-market salaries.

2. The company prefers lateral hiring for senior positions rather than promoting internal people.

3. Over the years, management has been losing transparency and fairness. While still better than the market, it's deteriorating rapidly, primarily due to lateral recruitment in the management cadre from other companies. These people mostly don't know IBM values.

4. Do not expect a great salary hike. IBM thinks the flexibility they offer must be compensated by a low salary. HR simply doesn't care about high attrition.

Retain good folks – if needed, by giving a high salary. HR can't always apply the same rule for everyone. If you equate an expert with a novice, there's no reason why the expert will stay – unless, of course, you haven't spoiled them by your super lazy work environment.