Vantaggi
SoundHound used to be a place where people felt valued and respected and where executives believed that an employees’ success was a shared responsibility between the employee and the company. The culture that grew from that mindset of mutual respect inspired innovation, loyalty, and employee longevity.
Svantaggi
The company has lost its way. Founders and existing leadership didn’t take the time to communicate critical company values to new leadership hired in the last 18 months to fulfill high growth goals. As a result, the company was unable to retain its inclusive culture and passionate employees who stood by them through layoffs, salary cuts, and changes in business goals. Due to a change in executive leadership in the marketing department, 4 LBGTQ employees either left or were fired in less than 1 year, team building activities have been discouraged between managers and their teams, and aggressive and hostile language is used a a form of intimidation and control of employees at all levels. There is no room for growth or learning and executives lack empathy, humor, and communication. Even when employees are sick, grieving, or on PTO they are expected to be online and ready to work on demand. Top down management with a focus on micromanaging and lack of trust has led to a hostile environment that has taken away everything that matters to most professionals, including having a voice, real appreciation and acknowledgement for accomplishments, psychological safety and trust, and transparency and open communication. While these examples are from one department, team members across the organization have expressed similar concerns. HR is fully aware and has stated, “we know people will quit”—further evidence that the culture has shifted away from one of valuing employees. Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that salary and benefits are far below market rate and employees are forced to use limited PTO during holiday shutdowns.