Google reviews

The perf system creates a super toxic culture. People are encouraged to serve their self interests instead of what’s best for the company or consumer. In order to get promoted, you need to launch something impactful. Sounds valid right? No, because once something launches people move on to the next big thing instead of maintaining the product. As such, people who are rude, sexist, unpleasant and not team players get promoted. One of the Sr product managers drives his roadmap entirely based on what will get attention from marketing or in the press, so instead of building for everyone, we build based on what new idea marketing has. On top of that, he had had multiple complaints filed against him be women, and has faced no disciplinary action. Also, this is one place where you are constantly told to “stay in your lane”. I’ve never worked anywhere where trying to fill gaps in for the team have repeatedly been not only discouraged, but dinged for. And the justification is always “it won’t help your perf.” Meaning that I can’t get raises, bonuses or promotions because I’m doing something off my official job description. The people here are entitled and when there’s a poor performer, instead of taking care of the problem, they just shuffle them into another team. It’s like the Catholic Church. Yeah the free food and perks are great, but it’s been a hostile work environment from day 1.

The Google culture is mostly a facade. There are many programs and tools designed to foster things like psychological safety, inclusiveness, mindfulness... but they are pretty shallow. It's like they are there just because that's what "progressive" companies do. They are created, and probably managed based on data that the leaders have no idea how to interpret. It doesn't come from the heart, because AI androids don't have hearts, of course. I used a contact form to report witnessing blatant sexism by senior leaders. My report went unanswered. I contacted my HRBP to discuss a sensitive topic. S/he acted like I was just a bother. The legendary perks have faded. Of course, the standard health/stock/retirement benefits are fantastic. But the food and fun budgets are dwindling fast. Perhaps worst of all: like so many prestigious institutions, Google attracts people who are driven by status. The result is that you have too many with slick credentials but mediocre talent, and almost no authentic interest in industry. Then, instead of producing great work, they get along with strategic elbow-rubbing and excessive self-promotion. Speaking of self-promotion, the performance review process is onerous and unhelpful. But not anymore than that at most big companies, from what I hear. All that said, I'm incredibly grateful for my job, even as I plot my escape. If I were a few years younger and more amenable to the corporate lifestyle, I'd be all in for several years, at least.