Toxic culture, low trust, and poor work-life balance - Anonymous employee CIMMYT Employee Review

CIMMYT has experienced a clear decline in recent years due to an increasingly autocratic leadership style - eminating from the top. At HQ, staff trust is very low, stress levels are high, and work-life balance is disregarded. Unprofessional behavior is tolerated, and many skilled employees have left in the past year, with more departures likely. Flexible work arrangements for operations staff were revoked, requiring five days a week in the office. For employees commuting from Mexico City, this means 12+ hours of weekly travel and appears rooted more in control and mistrust than in operational necessity. Early morning and evening meetings are still expected, alongside the commute. Very money oriented and funds are drying up - staff are under increased pressure to produce, with little reward, positive feedback or support. Even previously collaborative colleagues are becoming toxic under pressure. Multiple teams have raised concerns about excessive demands and unhealthy leadership practices. While change is inevitable, the uncertainty lies in how long it will take and how much further the organization will erode in the meantime.