Highly challenging culture with extended workloads and low recognition. - Individual Contributor EssilorLuxottica Employee Review

Having been with the company for a significant period, I have observed that post-merger operations require employees to handle increased workloads with fewer resources and no adjustments to compensation or benefits. To reduce costs, management frequently utilizes external vendors. However, these contract markups often cost the company more than retaining regular, tenured staff, which creates an inequitable environment. Furthermore, some of these external agencies exploit their own staff for profit.As a result, employees are severely overworked, demotivated, and lack work-life balance, while feeling unappreciated for their efforts. This has been the most challenging professional experience of my career. The work culture is highly counterproductive, politically driven, and management routinely prioritizes personal relationships over actual talent. Professional opportunities are heavily biased toward those with close personal ties to the leadership team.Management frequently misuses its authority, even terminating individuals who question or challenge strategic directions. Consequently, sycophancy is rewarded while hardworking and talented professionals are overlooked. Individuals are regularly promoted to managerial roles based on favoritism rather than the necessary skills and qualifications. Over the years, I have seen exceptional talent wasted while leadership continues to tolerate these practices.