Disappointing at best - Anonymous employee Toptal Employee Review

2.0
Jul 19, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work remotely, decent pay, pleasant colleagues

Cons

Team morale is low. At first glance, it appears to not be a situation of micromanaging, but it turns out, Toptal has just figured out a way to automate the micromanaging process. If you're an independent worker/thinker, you'll quickly see how their system will dictate your day without any one individual needing to say a word to you. You'll be at the mercy of their automated systems. Also, the calls with the CEO are incredibly disappointing. What is meant to be an open door/open forum call, is really an opportunity for upper management to defend any and every thing that you may or may not have a problem with. This same attitude trickles down to middle management. Suggestions and constructive criticism are met with apprehension and suggestions for you to change your attitude rather than actually considered as something constructive for the company to look into. Additionally, don't be fooled by the allure of remote work. There is little to no work/life balance in many departments. You're expected to be attached to your phone, tablet, computer almost at all times.

Explore other reviews about Toptal

5.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Toptal has been my favorite place to work so far! • The flexibility of remote work is amazing. • I’ve had the chance to work with fantastic clients. • The internal team is supportive, talented, and a pleasure to work with.

Cons

Sometimes it can take a bit longer to find a new engagement if you’re looking for opportunities in Asian time zones. In my experience, Europe and the Americas tend to have more opportunities and faster matching.

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Toptal Response
2d
Thank you for your valuable feedback! Your insights are important to us.
1.0
Jul 3, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Met some good dedicated employees and freelance workers.

Cons

Lack of any real industry solutions or capabilities since 100% of delivery services are freelance contractors. Model has been successful as providing staff augmentation to clients, but all intellectual capital and outcomes are owned by the clients or the freelancer. Toptal is simply a staffing platform broker who marks up the freelance talent. Great if you need a plumber, but not if you're planning to build a bathroom.

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