Review of Epic Systems as a Translator: A Cautionary Tale
Pros
The campus is beautiful but it feels immoral because the money for the buildings and gardens is sucked out of the healthcare system.
Cons
I have been working as a translator at Epic for five years, and in that time, I’ve experienced firsthand a lack of support, recognition, and fair compensation. Despite consistently delivering high-quality work, I’ve never received a meaningful raise or bonus. It became apparent early on that I had somehow fallen out of favor with someone in upper management. Rather than addressing concerns directly, Epic’s approach seems to be stringing people along, squeezing as much productivity as possible without acknowledgment or reward, and hoping frustration will drive you to quit. This passive-aggressive approach is damaging, particularly for those of us working in the translation team. Translators at Epic are often treated as an afterthought. There's a pervasive attitude from upper management that translators are not valued contributors. Most of us come from European backgrounds or work in Europe, where work-life balance is prioritized. However, Epic insists on at least 45 hours of work per week, with no additional compensation for overtime. The company seems to view our reluctance to overwork as a sign of defiance, which fosters resentment towards our entire department. During a staff meeting, the CEO, Judy Faulkner, openly expressed her reluctance to take on clients from non-English-speaking countries, as hiring translators cuts into the company’s profit margins. It’s disheartening to know that our contribution to Epic’s global success is seen as a burden. Epic’s toxic culture became even more apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the early days, Faulkner equated Covid to the common flu and refused to implement remote work, even claiming that working in the office was equivalent to working remotely. This only changed after the Madison Health Department intervened and after a tragic incident where a young employee took their own life. Remote work remains highly restricted—offering just five remote days per year, which feels like a token gesture rather than genuine flexibility. The company’s culture of gaslighting and manipulation is deeply unsettling. You find yourself questioning your value and your reality, which can lead to feelings of paranoia and resentment. Epic's work environment is challenging, not only in terms of workload but also in the emotional toll it takes. If you're a translator or someone seeking remote work, I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere. Epic’s hostility toward our profession, combined with a lack of respect for work-life balance and employee well-being, makes it a difficult and often toxic place to work.