Growth Oriented - Sr. DevOps / AWS Engineer Simple Technology Solutions Employee Review

Working for STS has been an immensely rewarding experience. Among some of the companies I have worked for in the past, STS stands out for its remarkable combination of flexibility, comprehensive benefits package, and positive company culture. I really see a future for myself here. One of the most commendable aspects of STS is they seem to have an open door policy. Working remotely can have its challenges, but STS is very transparent with updates and it makes me feel valued and supported. Additionally, I love that they support the growth of their employees and assist with acquiring relevant skills.

While I enjoy the challenges of my role, I find it difficult when teammates disregard their commitments. It's frustrating when they seem engaged, but then miss meetings or other obligations with various excuses. I value flexibility and understand that unexpected situations happen, but the frequent occurrences leave me feeling isolated and frustrated. Working on a small team can be tough, and it’s easy to notice when someone isn’t contributing equally. I really enjoy my job, so I try my best to stay positive and focused.

The client-facing technical staff are highly competent and seem to operate with minimal interference from the chaos at headquarters. If you're assigned to a client contract and shielded from internal operations, you may avoid the worst of the internal dysfunction.

Toxic Leadership Culture: Senior leadership interactions are marked by open hostility, emotional outbursts, and a lack of professionalism. Staff have witnessed shouting matches, belittlement, and even tears during executive-level meetings. No Clear Vision: Leadership lacks a coherent strategic direction. Decisions are reactive and often ego-driven, not guided by data or long-term goals. Internal Disrespect: There is little collaboration or mutual respect among executive team members, which creates cascading confusion and disorganization. Inability to Manage Conflict: Despite having team members with formal training in conflict resolution, the organization remains plagued by unresolved internal strife. Microaggressions and Bias: Microaggressions and racially charged comments have been tolerated within the organization, with no real accountability enforced. Financial Instability: The organization is under serious financial strain and has conducted multiple rounds of workforce reductions to stay afloat. Pay Disparities: Significant compensation gaps exist between departments, particularly between client-facing staff and back office roles. Expensive Benefits: While multiple health plan options are offered, they are overpriced and not accessible for many employees — quantity does not equal quality. “Unlimited” PTO in Name Only: The company advertises unlimited PTO, but the reality is that time off is difficult to take and culturally discouraged. Absentee Leadership: Key leaders are frequently disengaged, with critical responsibilities offloaded to less experienced staff. Major initiatives stall due to lack of leadership alignment or support. Inauthentic Employer Branding: Employees are frequently encouraged (and in some cases, pressured) to leave overly positive reviews online in order to boost the company’s image and compete for workplace awards. High Turnover: Previous team members in key roles have exited due to the toxic environment — and that cycle continues. Lack of Accountability in Revenue-Generating Roles: Some teams with high compensation packages deliver little in terms of new business or measurable growth.