• No Real HR: You cannot file grievances and there are no consequences for unprofessional behavior. Reviews are meant to be punitive, as is the internal “feedback” system that has a “don’t let the person know” option.
• Ignorant Senior Members: Blatantly racist and insensitive comments are heard commonly (we are very diverse with multiple nationalities represented!), including from employees with long tenures. Leadership is aware and does not take any action despite complaints. You will be discriminated against for having a name that isn’t of Anglo-Saxon origins.
• No Incentives/Consequences: The employee retention program requires 8 years of service before any reward is given and is currently “under review” (aka canceled). Good performing employees are “rewarded” with more work (no pay increase) while bad performing employees are cycled from team to team. Real rewards within the company are promotions that are mainly based on how long you’ve been there.
• Loss of Professional Identity: While the “flat organization” or “you can wear many hats” pitch can be alluring, beware! Skills learned are mostly non-transferrable beyond Rubicon as many business practices, communication styles and its products are way out-of-date. (They define any new sales as “business development,” and women had to wear lipstick until about 5 years ago.)
• Tattling Encouraged: Certain employees have been tapped by the CEO to be “eyes and ears,” meaning they report on social circles, who’s saying what about whom, etc. Immature behavior is often the case, including throwing others under the bus to get leadership’s attention. He also seems to do this for himself, by recording meetings and interviews (see below).
• Employees are an Afterthought: No care or attention to professional development for employees. Quarterly company-wide share-outs of conference attendance or growing trends heard through the grapevine are considered PD. Don’t bother asking for it either—it’ll take 3 years before anything is approved. The office is decorated and maintained for the 2-3 clients that actually visit our premises, with most rooms outfitted with video cameras and microphones. Also, business attire in Portland?!
