Vantaggi
- Good work-life balance, for the large groups in which I've worked. - Plenty of opportunities to learn on the job. - Easy to move between groups when one needs a change. - Easy to find groups doing the types of work one is looking for, since the company is involved in many different areas across the industry. - The current annual review system is much improved over the past 15+ years' Ballmer-era system & its variations, at least with respect to one's performance rating.
Svantaggi
- The compensation side of the current annual review system still needs refinement. Compensation ratings are relative vs. peers -- which is arguably necessary, given budget realities -- but divisions vary in how they allocate rewards across the rating spread, and the results are not always fair to all involved.