Microsoft

Working at Microsoft was once a great place to work. It was filled with highly intelligent people, all committed to building great software and products. Free drinks and other benefits common at tech companies were fine, such as gym membership and ample health benefits.

Terrible caustic environment where innovation is stopped by middle management and horse trading for political favors. Numerous ideas are killed by overzealous product teams that felt threatened by great engineering ideas.

Promotions are handed out through backroom deals, not for great work, but as favors. You spend more time building project schedules and dealing with company policy than working on great software.

Focus on innovation and fostering a great work environment. Less on reviews, and please weaken the product organizations, which stop great products from getting built.