Thoughtworks reviews

Having been part of this company for over 5 years, I've witnessed both prosperous moments and challenging ones. Regrettably, the current situation appears to be the most challenging we've encountered. I have reservations about the company's ability to reverse this downward trend, as the situation appears to deteriorate with each passing day. During uncertain times, the company's management appears to be lacking in effectiveness. They persist in providing their top executives with a base salary of $500,000 (not including stocks and bonuses) while attempting to stabilize their financial situation through substantial staff reductions. To date, they have executed two layoffs in the current year, affecting approximately 10% of their workforce. Moreover, they are contemplating another round of layoffs in the upcoming fall and early Q1 '24 if they are unable to correct their course. Additionally, they seem to terminate skilled employees while retaining individuals who may lack the necessary expertise, resulting in the loss of three significant contracts this year, which led to the recent August layoff. A significant portion of the company's personnel seems to prioritize style over substance, resembling used car salespeople who rely heavily on rhetoric. If you're currently employed here, it's wise to remain objective and explore other opportunities. If you are contemplating joining this organization, it is advisable to seek a workplace that genuinely values its employees rather than one that merely pays lip service to this principle. If you hold stocks in this company, you may want to contemplate the option of selling.

* Thoughtworks is a cult. You have a vague sense when you're in it. It becomes much clearer once you leave. It has all the hallmarks of a cult: adulation of its founder; widespread indoctrination that starts with TW University for graduate hires; vociferous advocacy of its "secret sauce", i.e. the TW way; and low tolerance for differences of opinion, particularly on the so-called "social justice" pillar. * About that pillar: there is a strangely dogmatic combination of neo-socialism and neo-liberalism that runs through the company, especially some in leadership positions. Any dissenting voices, even those who simply ask their political views to be left alone, are likely to be shouted down and ostracized. * Who you know and how you impress them weighs more than what you know and how you can contribute. Thoughtworks is more prone to this than the average company. The so-called flat hierarchy encourages consultants to curry favors on the grapevine. The one with the most favorable rumors is likely to get better projects and promotions. * The leadership teams seem to relish their roles as petty tyrants. If your project's Delivery Leadership Team, usually 3 people strong, has a loudmouth who dislikes you, it is very likely you'll find it hard to last on the project. What's more, you'll get obscure negative feedback like "difficult to work with", "doesn't align with TW values", etc., which is sure to dent your career aspirations.