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Basking in its former glory

Software Development Engineer
Current Employee
Has worked at Microsoft for 4 years
August 19, 2016
Redmond, Washington
2.0
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDoesn't Approve of CEO
Pros
  • Benefits
  • Discounts and perks
  • Shuttles and connector bus service
Cons
  • Employees are not considered 'first' as they once were.
  • Motivational events are much smaller than they used to be, if held at all.
  • Too many egos create an annoying work environment.
  • The company is moving toward open offices, which are worse than cubicles.
  • Reviews tend to rank employees against one another, which creates a culture of non-collaboration.
  • Expectations have risen so high (since Satya took over) that only the 'heroes' who work 70 hours a week and on vacation actually have a chance of meeting them.
Advice to Management

Sincerely, work at changing culture.

Do not reward 'hot shots' with big egos. Recognize those that put their nose down and work hard.

Stop the idea of ranking employees against one another. It creates a bad culture. People don't collaborate; they keep information to themselves in order to rank better.

Help people when they need it, rather than expecting they can figure anything and everything out on their own. Encourage team members to help each other. Stop rewarding people who do everything on their own and don't help others.

Give up the ghost. There are products that just need to be dropped, and resources moved to the areas that are thriving.

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