Forrester Reviews

The core issue stems from the top: our CEO's leadership has catastrophically eroded the company's spirit. His ill-advised acquisition decision—purchasing a product without a clear strategy for its sale—has pivoted our focus from customer-centric values to an unhealthy obsession with "Contract Value." Alarmingly, the insights from Forrester's reputable research are blatantly ignored, especially concerning employee well-being. The once-promised hybrid work model has been completely abandoned, leaving no room for promotions or bonuses. The situation has escalated with the termination of 50 staff members recently, adding to the 300 laid off the previous year, signaling a dire disregard for employee stability or morale. The CEO's stubborn refusal to pass the leadership baton to a visionary successor is driving our once dynamic and admired organization into oblivion. Our strategy now discriminates against smaller companies, pursuing larger entities to push a product they neither need nor want. This approach has not only isolated potential partners but has also dismantled the foundational values that once made this company extraordinary. It's a glaring testament to a leadership crisis, transforming what was once a thriving workplace into a shadow of its former self.

The culture in the organisation has taken huge strides backwards. Over the last year we have over-recruited according to the Exec team and these bad decisions have caused 4% (80+ employees) to be laid off, with no warning, consultation or review period. We're still recruiting which doen't make sense and raises the question of why those who were laid off, couldn't be re-attributed to new roles. Work has now been passed onto those who remain causing those to be overworked and working extra hours, just to keep the wheels moving. At the same time, the organization had moved to a hybrid model of 2/3 days in an office location. Prior to this our research showed anywhere working was the key to success, you could split your time how you wanted too, however the exec team have seemingly reversed this decision off the back of a poor year. There's no salary increases this year, so with inflation, cost of living extremities in many countries and having to commute two days a week, you're actually worse off and undervalued by the business right now. The culture that was once fantastic, which included a monthly office day was amazing has been really tarnished over the last week. The executive team lack the transparency they ask the business and their employees for, with our Chief People Officer lacking in empathy and people skills. If you have other options, i'd look elsewhere for your next career move.