- Layoffs
- Benefits
- Vision
- Leadership
The last year has been a leadership/HR failing point primarily due to poor usage in prior years leading up. While the administration has introduced challenges, MITRE was extremely bloated and failed to recognized areas where one-off layoffs would be better positioned us. As a result we have lost over 25% of the workforce this year. The problem is that these decisions have been made at such a high level they are failing to actually remove the bloat and instead aiming randomly. This level of layoffs and reduction in benefits is not being seen anywhere in similar companies or in government.
The benefits at MITRE were previously good and bordering in excellent. With the recent update, the program is now towards the back of the pack in tech-gov companies and far behind in true tech workplaces. The reduction in benefits (significantly increased healthcare premiums, lack of coverage, significant worsened parental leave) combined with the layoffs and financial outlook have created a huge lack of trust in the company. Especially with the HR department which still has room to make the head of HR the third highest paid employee in the company. The icing on the cake is that lately HR has taken to just rewriting policy whenever it suits them, resulting in further worsening trust in the company management being driven by HR.
Vision-wise, this used to be a strength of MITRE thanks to the matrix system and leadership. We invested in technical expertise and collaborations that showcased that vision. Now we have reverted back to being "systems engineering focused"--i.e. being technically weak but being willing to do the paperwork and spend all day in meetings for a paycheck. Sponsors don't want to pay for that anymore. They want real innovation if they are bringing us in.
