Slow and steady wins the race? Maybe.The good things- Depending on which department you work for, things may be slightly different.
- Immediate supervisors are generally good, but can be better.
- Slightly higher than average salary for the skills required, but other benefits are bare bones.
- Free courses with external providers every year (as much as they can afford).
- Opportunities to contribute to business processes (with some caveats).
- Generally no OT, working hours are stable, no weekends. Can also choose to start (and knock off equally) slightly earlier or later, which is good for those who want to avoid the peak hour crowd.
- Generally not much of stress, but if you're a ground-breaker, look elsewhere. Things remain fairly stable for a long period, even for things that ought to be changed last year.
The challenges- Local top management needs to improve on their management skills, especially when it comes to human interaction.
- Certain important roles as missing from the local office, which can be a glaring issue when it comes to drawing necessary boundaries (so as to be more efficient).
- Most of the managers are not exactly managing. They're like highly-paid line workers who happen to be in a managerial role because of their seniority or perceived experience.
- Poor internal documentation, making things really difficult for some of the departments.
- People generally seem to enjoy staying here for a long time, and it's actually one of the hidden hiring criteria that they'll hire you if you're prepared to stay for a long time. You can make educated guesses why they prefer people to stay for a long time. Coupled with flat hierarchy means the only career advancement is in the form of pay raise.
- Notice period is long, making it difficult for employees to move away for greener pastures.
- Generally not much of stress, but if you're a ground-breaker, look elsewhere. Things remain fairly stable for a long period, even for things that ought to be changed last year.