Windward Reviews

Is there a limit here? Windward treats people who work for them as if they are disposable diapers - once they crap in you (and they will;) they'll toss you into the trash can. It is a very pretentious, backbiting, hostile work environment; and you better read the book "Cubical Warfare" just to safely navigate the hallways. Jesus would have referred to the senior management as a 'generation of vipers.' The leadership wanted to address the "Windward isn't a Body Shop" comment circulating among their troops on a teleconference. They were right - Windward wasn't a Body Shop. That would have been a compliment to their terrible organization. Now calling them a MEAT LOCKER - that's more apt to describe them in two words. No matter if you're right and fully justified - expect to be wrong. They have a way of twisting truth; rather than admitting and correcting a minor error. I recognized that I made a bad decision to sign and lend my talent and abilities to their company on Week 2; but I stuck it out for two years. Windward isn't completely useless - they can always be used as a bad example.

1. No Job Security - Layoffs are common and currently in full effect. New hires are only brought on for the duration of a project (or much less) and then let go with no notice. They are told otherwise and that they will have work lined up if they are good. 2. Work long hours, weekends, and established holidays - Projects are poorly managed and contracts are based on whatever the customer needs to hear to sign. The result is insane hours and weekend/holiday work on short or no notice regardless of if the customer is working or not or if you have plans. If you say know you are not a team player. If you agree you get a clap on the back and still get let go with no notice. (This has happened to several people recently) 3. Insane time and expense reporting - While management on most critical items is phoned in time/expense reporting is monitored and challenged on a regular basis regardless of if items are within policy or not. Expect multiple rejections and to spend x3-4 times on reports as you would anywhere else. Do not expect basic items to be reasonably covered (mobile phone, software, etc) let alone any of the percs usually associated with travel/consulting. Buy it yourself and do not expect anything to be approved. 4. No job growth - Managers are entrenched and not going anywhere. There is no growth for new positions and no one expects you to be around long enough to ask. 5. Beyond cut throat - - Do not rock the boat or you are gone - Do not say no to anything (meaning something well out of your responsibilities/skillset) or you are gone - Do not point out any problems or you are gone - Do not pose a threat to any managers position or you are gone (meaning if you look like you might be more qualified or are impressing anyone else in leadership) - You are only as good as how well you have done that day and even if your performance is stellar expect a call at any time with no notice stating you are done. 6. Management - There is no trust for and from management. There are mostly closed door discussions ,territorial behavior, and a mindset of entitlement that have led most of the best of us to look elsewhere. Make no mistake that you are a tool to be used and thrown away as needed. The company is not really a consulting firm which is how it is being portrayed but more of a small staff aug broker at this point getting by with the bare minimum in staff benefits. Most new hires figure out quickly that they are better off going to a larger firm for more stability, a smaller firm for better job opportunities, or to just cut out the middle man and go for a direct contract with customers. The rest of us are looking or have already found something.