Pros
I worked at SV for 4 years. SV gave me a great work-life balance, the team were just outstanding, we really lived and breathed the 'values' in place. Since working in another role and in another country I really admire and appreciate that the leadership team at SV were collaborative, transparent, had quick turnarounds in decision-making (something I sorely miss now) and made it fun to come to work everyday. The compensation and benefits package was second to none in my opinion, the things you never thought you'd miss we should learn to admire and enjoy - having the cheeky office dogs around was awesome too, especially if you were having a hard day - something a cuddle from a dog sorted out :). The development process in place was really good (again something I have learnt since that is actually pretty rare) and I felt supported by my line manager and everyone. Opportunities to give honest feedback, propose ideas and implement suggestions was a way of life for all us together.
My line manager was hands down the best I ever had, still to this day, and showed me those core attributes to aspire to be when becoming a leader. The CEO was progressive, cared about each and every one of us and joined in with all activities with the wider team. To have an owner that takes time with all of the employees, knows each person and cares about how their week has been is so rare and something to be respected - I would pay to have that now.
I'm being totally honest when I say that, if it wasn't for me getting an opportunity abroad, I would still be there now and I would go back in a heartbeat. I look back on my time at SV really fondly and will definitely call them first when I return to the UK!
Cons
As with all companies, sometimes there a few growing pains however they were handled well with the leadership team and bought up in Team Days or workshop sessions to get everyone's ideas or suggestions about how to improve certain areas. So a joint collaboration generally. Some HR process related software would have been good too.
