Pros
I very much enjoy the lifestyle spending account. As a full time employee, I get a balance of $500 to spend how I see fit; things like physical, mental health, social, and wealth categories. I have used it on things like concert tickets, massages, and helping pay for a dog sitter when I was on vacation. I like that I work for a company that is doing really large scale, global initiatives. I feel like the work I do matters, even though I am just a very tiny piece. This company is in a strong growth sector and has a lot of potential for the next 10+ years.
Cons
Good luck getting the hardware and software to do your job. I have tried for years. If you require anything outside of the normal Microsoft configuration/software, or basic starter computer you will have to fight tooth and nail for it. They pinch and question every penny, and also are worried about testing for security (which I get), but I cannot begin to explain the number of walls that are thrown up to prevent an employee from getting the tools they need to do their job and to keep THEM competitive. I cannot press this issue enough. You will get zero support even if you cannot complete your given task because you do not have the right tools. They do not care. It will take an act of Congress. Then they will question why it is they (BV) have fallen behind competitors (or even hire someone new only for that person to ALSO tell them it's a hardware/software issue, not a lack of employee skill/competence) , and you will just shake your head and go back to your cube. The IT dept. is an absolute nightmare of a black hole. They are not very competent. They have a small staff on hand, and outsource 98% of the work. So if you, and your team have recurring issues it will end up with a dozen different people, and one hand doesn't know what the other is doing, or who is responsible or in charge of what. Good luck navigating that hairball. Black and Veatch likes to take endless surveys, but do nothing about them. They give a lot of top down directives, but do nothing with bottom up suggestions. The surveys are a waste of time and produce no measurable, meaningful change. Not a big fan of Mario (the current CEO). From where I stand I have heard he is a micromanager, and I have seen decisions that reinforce that critique. I think much more leeway, trust, and discernment should be given to middle and upper management... ESPECIALLY when it comes to their return to work policy. I get that a lot of people and teams benefit from in person work, and understand when you want to foster career development, etc. However, a one-size-fits-all approach for a company of this size is not practical, and it forces talent to go elsewhere. It is an outdated outlook on the workplace. There should be nuance and it should be at management's discretion.
