Skip to contentSkip to footer
      employer cover photo
      employer logo
      employer logo

      DOWL

      Engaged Employer

      DOWL reviews

      Company Morale is Low - Civil Engineer DOWL Employee Review

      3.0
      Aug 2, 2018
      Civil engineer
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Opportunity for growth in the company and chances to work on a variety of projects with people in other offices if you so choose. Very flexible vacation policy which is a big reason why I stay. Some people hate earning leave, however, I have been privileged to work long hard hours all spring and then take numerous long weekends or vacations in the fall or when I am light on work. I mourn the day when I won't have such a flexible policy. Also, great people to work with horizontally speaking. Everyone is very nice and friendly, but low morale because people feel underappreciated.

      Cons

      Upper level management doesn’t seem to care about the individuals. They do just enough for you to keep you satisfied enough that you won’t look for another job, but you question it constantly. They push deadlines to the extreme and don’t care about work life balance. They WILL push you professionally which sounds good, but ultimately feels like its for their benefit and not the employees. If an employee is a staff engineer, they shouldn't have to feel forced into project management if that isn't their forte, for example (even if the company is short project managers.)

      avatar
      DOWL Response
      7y
      We are glad to hear that you recommend DOWL as a company and that DOWL's Open Leave policy has been a benefit to you. Sounds like you are taking full advantage of it the way it was intended. I assure you that management cares about the employees, and any action to the contrary is the result of neglect and being busy themselves, not from what they feel in their heart. Yes, we do tend to challenge people and get them to rise in their career and contribute outside their comfort zone (but not in the panic zone). DOWL has a great mix of demanding and valuable clients, and we work hard to keep them happy and meter our work load locally and across the firm. I assure you that there is nothing that I or the management team likes to do more than give bonuses and raises to our passionate contributors that are so deserving. That is why we try to run a tight ship that produces results. Because I am unable to see who wrote this comment or what office they are located in, I would encourage you to contact me directly to discuss the morale issue (confidentially). Most of the offices I visit have a great spirit and culture and the staff believe that our best days are in front of us. If there are offices that need an injection of sunshine and optimism, I would like to help out.

      Explore other reviews about DOWL

      5.0
      Dec 5, 2025
      Land survey technician
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      The company attracts highly talented and knowledgeable engineers and project managers. The peer mentorship is invaluable. The benefits package is competitive, particularly the 401(k) match and health insurance options. There's a lot of flexibility in working arrangements and hours, which is helpful for personal scheduling. Clear opportunities for career growth and advancement if you demonstrate initiative.

      Cons

      The company could benefit from more standardized knowledge-sharing protocols between different departments and geographic locations.

      avatar
      DOWL Response
      6mo
      I’m so glad to hear you are using some of DOWL’s programs to your advantage and your career is being supported by some of our great people. You’ll be happy to know that we plan to expand on our supervisor/leadership and project manager training in the coming year! We try and keep the whole company apprised of high-level goings on through intranet posts and all-staff meetings, among other things. Our market sectors get a lot of autonomy, which is important for those groups to be able to run their corners of the business, but can sometimes lead to gaps in communication. Be sure to talk with your supervisor or office manager if there are specific things you wish were better communicated between departments or geographies. These dots can sometimes be connected by regular office or market sector meetings where the larger group can discuss what they’re up to.
      2.0
      May 27, 2026
      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      - Met some great people that I am still in contact with - Learned new skills

      Cons

      - Bad management. When I told my supervisor that I was burnt out, I was told to "Smile through it" and "Be happy that I'm not working 60 hours a week like other departments. - No room to grow at all unless you are an engineer.

      avatar
      DOWL Response
      3w
      I agree – we have great people at DOWL! As with most consultancies, our project workload does occasionally necessitate putting in additional hours so we can meet our clients’ needs. I’m sorry you feel your manager did not work with you to take advantage of some our flexible work options or coordinate workshare. The facts do not support your claim that you cannot grow unless you are an engineer. We have many people in leadership roles who do not have PEs, including Practice Area Leaders, Board Members, and most of our C-suite staff.
      See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All
      Related searches: DOWL jobs | DOWL salaries | DOWL benefits | DOWL interviews
      DOWL reviewsDOWL Civil Engineer reviewsDOWL review