Not what it used to be - werkgeversreview Anonieme werknemer bij Arena Solutions

Arena presents themselves as a tech startup, but more and more they feel like the opposite: an old, big company, conservative, cautious, and pedantic. They are very stuck in their ways, and it is almost impossible to change anything. After almost 20 years in business, the odds of an IPO seem low. The atmosphere is quiet and dull, and mildly oppressive. It feels more like an investment bank than a software company. You will be required to digitally sign 30 documents, swearing that you read and understand the contents. They are full of boilerplate, meaningless and obscure, and many are unrelated to your actual job or department. Despite being a saas software company, engineering is not central here, nor does it get much respect. Arena is very clearly run by suits who expect to get their way 100% of the time. While they brag of a flat management model, in reality, upper management's reaction to polite feedback ranges from indifferent to hostile. When you are here, your job is to obey orders, not question them. It is clear that you are viewed as a replaceable part, not a partner. Your feedback on company policy is never solicited. The CEO is not approachable, and speaks to the lower employees about once a year. There is a strict set of rules for employees. Years ago the excessive rules were mostly ignored, but recently enforcement has been stepped up. During a heat wave, company leadership decided to crack down on the evils of short pants. Everyone in engineering must wear long pants at all times, and closed shoes. Dress codes are not the way to retain top talent in the Bay Area, which is why top talent tends to move on from Arena. The benefits are on the low end. There is no 401k match. Forget about bonuses, or any substantial recognition for hard work. There are a few minor perks, like Costco snacks, but otherwise Arena is miserly. It's very difficult to get any extras or changes. Sick days come out of your vacation time.