Projects seem to be spontaneously added if there's a potential customer. It feels like fishing. There's a tug on the line and management scrambles to reel in the potential customer, and engineering is left scrambling to meet unrealistic deadlines with cost controls, limited resources, and processes that are not geared towards software development.
Layoffs are common and don't seem to have regard for seniority or value to the business.
Andover HQ moving to Cambridge is the worst decision for employees. This may be a great way to improve Philips's brand recognition and get closer to research opportunities. It also looks like a way to reduce costs by "laying off" expensive Andover employees and attract some cheaper college and post-grad talent. It is unfortunate that the Cambridge office is not easily accessible to employees who have build lives and families in the suburbs away from one of the US's most difficult cities to commute into. The company appears to be working on options, but hasn't provided any concrete answers since the announcement making employees nervous that there aren't any solutions beyond:
"you can work from home"
"there will be bicycle programs in Cambridge!"
"the Cambridge office will be great!"
I have to seriously consider the impact the Cambridge move will have on my commute and sanity (from working from home and not engaging with anyone in person).
