Pros
The Motley Fool presents a tantalizing front: they advertise themselves as a mission-driven, fun-loving workplace. New hires are typically enticed by the promises of a dynamic, progressive environment.
Cons
After a year of being with the company, one begins to see the stark differences between the glossy promises and grim reality. The main issues revolve around incompetent management, excessive favoritism, lack of career growth and direction, and stringent micromanagement. The turnover rate is high - many employees leave within their first 1-2 years, feeling disillusioned and unsatisfied. Those who do choose to stay tend to be "the favorites", who get raises even in the midst of budget cuts, take advantage of the company's five-month parental leave on top of the unlimited PTO, and keep their dissatisfaction quiet. Management positions seem to be filled from this pool of favorites. Unfortunately, these individuals lack the necessary leadership training and are incapable of leading a team or inspiring their subordinates. It's a commonly held belief that people leave bosses, not companies. In the case of The Motley Fool, it holds true. The culture of the company is rife with conflicts and issues. Even though the company encourages open communication, raising your voice against the prevailing issues appears to be career suicide. Retaliation and gaslighting are all too common here. If you dare to raise concerns against "the favorites", you may find yourself denied a raise, promotion, or even worse, faced with termination. While the Motley Fool has potential to be a great workplace, it is currently a long way from living up to its promises. Unless drastic changes are made, the company is bound to lose valuable talent and foster a toxic work environment.