Optimistic for the future - Staff Software Engineer Handshake Employee Review

5.0
Jan 25, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've really enjoyed my time at Handshake and am proud of the business we've been able to build. I've been on several different teams throughout my time here. What these teams all have in common is that they are full of smart, kind, and hard working people. The team is top notch and I look forward to working with and learning from my teammates every day. I have been very pleased with the work life balance at Handshake. I've definitely had some long days/weeks and a couple weekends, but everyone I've worked with understands that my family comes first for me. As far as the business outlook, I'm optimistic. The business is continuing to grow, especially some new segments that we've started to invest more heavily in. I'm hopeful that we made it through a somewhat hard 2023 but are setup for success in the future. I've also really enjoyed the technical challenges at Handshake. I've grown tremendously in my time here and have been able to work on some projects with really large impact.

Cons

We went through a time where, especially on engineering, there was a lack of trust in leadership. Steps have been made, and are continuing to be made, to improve that. For some, I don't think that trust will be restored. It is very fast paced and can be high stress. I personally enjoy this environment, but it is not for everyone.

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Handshake Response
2y
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. Like you, we think that our people are our best asset, and we know how important it is for employees to be able to prioritize their lives outside of work. We recognize that the company – and engineering in particular – underwent a lot of change in 2023. We’re looking forward to more stability in 2024 as we commit to the work directly related to our strategic priorities. Again, we appreciate you sharing your experience.

Explore other reviews about Handshake

5.0
Jun 12, 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

Work at your own pace.

Cons

Task limit when new to project.

1.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Challenging, interesting position in the short term.

Cons

The company has implemented a new timer policy that has “active” and “inactive” time on the backend that makes up for the total time. We were getting paid by total time (as you should), but HAI has changed it to only pay contributors for the time marked “active.” Time is “active” when scrolling, typing, and clicking within the specific task tab. Time is “inactive” when none of the previous actions are happening; i.e., when reading the task without moving the mouse or pressing keys, researching in another tab, etc. It sounds like they have changed the rules to only pay for active time, which has caused huge pay discrepancies. The percentage of inactive time is usually way more than active time on these timers due to the amount of reading, visual analyzing, thinking, and research required for some tasks. This behavior is unacceptable because time that seems “inactive” is still important to the quality and completion of tasks. They keep throwing accusations like “time thieves” around to justify it. If you respect yourself, pack it up and go somewhere else. I know most people who work at these places are desperate for income, but that’s exactly what they’re hoping for. They’re hoping you will be desperate enough to be taken advantage of.

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