Pros
Hipages in many ways is a breath of fresh air. In a country full of resource-heavy mining companies and shell corps, hipages is one of the few innovative, publicly traded businesses that seeks to solve a real challenge for thousands of people. It's a low-capital model that leverages technology + talented people and you meet some truly intelligent people here. The CEO is present and clearly cares a lot about the mission and the company. Offices are modern and well-equipped. There are solid perks, sustainability initiatives, and affordable medical benefits through ch health. Hipages could (and should) be one of Australia’s standout tech success stories. Intead it’s at serious risk of becoming a cautionary tale, and not worth risking your career at.
Cons
Unfortunately the current leadership and culture — especially within Engineering & Product — are actively sabotaging the company’s potential. The level of power-chasing, back-stabbling and outright dysfunction is exhausting. Everyone is burnt out from constantly navigating egos, zero trust and protection rackets. Managers with little-to-no understanding of the actual work dictate unrealistic deliverables based on blatantly incorrect assumptions, then double down by simply repeating them louder. If you disagree you’re immediately labeled “bad at your job,” “lazy,” or “not a team player.” WFH? Forget it. What’s most toxic is how this behaviour is not just tolerated but protected and rewarded by senior leadership. Abuse = “Direct communication” Bullying = “Managing poor performers” Short-term results at any cost = acceptable, no matter how unsustainable Knowledge of the work you're managing = irrelevant The pattern is predictable and destructive: the most aggressive and politically savvy people get promoted, while thoughtful builders, moderate leaders, and anyone focused on quality are undervalued or pushed out. Result? Sky-high turnover, half-baked products, problems that are hidden and never solved. This company, with enormous potential and a strong brand, is slowly being run into the ground by false narratives and Machiavellian leadership. There are far, far less destructive places to work