Toxic cliquey culture - werkgeversreview Associate Director bij Ricardo

Employees often highlight great colleagues and a supportive team environment.

Senior leadership / management issues: the feedback often mentions lack of clear direction, slow or no career progression, and mixed support.

-Opportunities for growth in technically challenging projects, especially in systems engineering and mobility solutions. -Some engaging tasks for technically skilled engineers, depending on the team and project. -Global presence and potential networking opportunities.

-Toxic work culture: The work environment at Ricardo North America feels sterile and driven by corporate politics, which has a significant impact on employee morale. There is a noticeable lack of focus on building a positive culture or supporting meaningful change. -HR and management issues: HR appears to be more reactive than proactive, often prioritizing corporate optics over employee well-being. Management is more focused on maintaining appearances and controlling communication rather than listening to employee feedback or addressing concerns that could lead to improvement. This has led to a lack of trust in leadership. -Weaponization of systems: There is a concerning trend where internal systems and processes are used to micromanage employees, creating unnecessary pressure and reducing overall productivity. This has led to a sense of disempowerment among engineers, who feel that their expertise and input are undervalued. -Lack of meaningful training and support: Training for engineers is minimal, leaving individuals to navigate complex systems without the support or resources needed to grow in their roles. This has led to a feeling of stagnation for many employees, as the company does not invest in fostering skill development or long-term career growth. -Management and leadership disconnection: Communication from upper management is often unclear, and decision-making seems disconnected from the actual needs of the team. Engineers may find themselves working on projects with little direction or strategic oversight, which leads to frustration and inefficiency.