Sad Experience at NetBase Quid: Apathetic Leadership & Talent Drain - Anonymous NetBase Quid Employee Review

I joined NetBase Quid with high hopes, drawn in by the promise of a people-first culture and the prospect of thriving in a cutting-edge AI and tech environment. However, the last year of my role has been completely soured by top leadership and I’m left with a full lack of trust or hope in the future of this company as an industry leader. The lack of transparency and leadership’s attitude surrounding recent layoffs has distinctly impacted team morale and culture. There was a significant void in open and honest communication about reasons or unmet goals leading to layoffs, leaving many employees feeling blindsided and uncertain about the future. This lack of clarity has eroded trust and made it difficult to understand the company's direction – other than an unspoken, but VERY clear message that sales is highly prioritized above all other company functions. The aftermath of layoffs has led to an increased workload for those who remain and opportunities for skill development and career advancement that were once emphasized now seem distant, unattainable and frankly, uninspiring given recent events. While restructuring can of course be necessary in difficult economic times, leadership’s absurd response (e.g., complete disregard of events and pitiful excuse for an acknowledgement of impacts) has led to burnout and severely decreased job satisfaction as we struggle to see the light ahead. The loss of exceptionally talented individuals, who were proven to have contributed greatly to the company's success, has left a void that leadership has not adequately addressed or even appropriately acknowledged, with leadership’s only message that it’s important to “keep moving forward and focusing on growth” despite over a 30% decrease (!!!!) in workforce this year. Incentives and benefits have overall been slowly stripped from employees as well (e.g., PTO suddenly shifted to accrual to avoid company payout for a dwindling workforce; wellness, travel and other stipends cut; contractual bonuses cut, but only for certain teams; a 2% 401k match that has not budged in 15 years). Leadership has also brushed anticipated promotion cycles under the rug, basically saying anything to avoid saying “ they’re not in the cards for a while”. Employees can’t help but feel deeply devalued and unmotivated to keep striving and grinding, as incredibly hard work and dedication, loyalty and commitment of exceptional teams are not reciprocated or even met with acknowledgement or understanding. The “response” to failing morale has been marked by a lack of guidance and even deeper lack of empathy from leadership. Leadership refuses to take ownership or any sort of active role in addressing plummeting morale, suggesting teammates “lean on each other” to get through increasing workloads, critical teammates gone with no notice and a complete strip of employee incentives that previously helped inspire continued above-and-beyond work. The complete lack of ownership or support from leadership has leveled any remaining morale as teams who have consistently been on the ‘chopping block’ for layoffs have been outright neglected or met with defensive / combative responses from “people-first” leaders when sharing our concerns and experiences. Leadership offers a “listening ear”, but downright refuses against all odds to hear the message employees are trying to share. Instead of addressing questions and worries with empathy, openness and mutual solutioning, they have resorted to self-preservation through manipulation of questions to save face and push their own agenda, leaving employees feeling even more unheard and unsupported. As a result of the unsettling turn this company has taken in the last several months especially, I fear that NetBase Quid will continue to experience a loss of exceptional talent and trust. The company's failure to address these concerns and its clear and palpable disregard for employee well-being / experience only serve to perpetuate a cycle of declining morale and a weakened work environment. There is absolutely no culture left in some facets of this business, other than sheer anger and frustration. It's my hope that NetBase Quid will urgently reassess its approach to employee relations and communication. You can support your employees while making difficult decisions – that’s what it means to be an effective leader. I implore leadership to reflect on these issues and take immediate and meaningful steps towards rebuilding trust, transparency, and a genuinely supportive working environment – not just touting one on paper. - Read above - No HR department - Severely disconnected leadership - Lack of growth opportunities and incentives - Noncompetitive pay