There are just so many bad things these days, but it really started heading downhill two years ago.
The number one objective of executive management is to drive as much costs out of the organization (read people, rent, equipment, etc.) as possible. The number two objective to stay the world largest A/E firm (huge ego issue for the executive leaders). All other objectives are much less important.
Therefore, management’s attention is internally focused. Clients are a mere secondary concern to senior management and rarely discussed. The message has been heard loud and clear by staff on what's important.
Also, they cannot make their financial plan without 90 percent utilization from staff. If you are not billable or your project ends without another on to move onto; you are expendable. Companies of this size really view people as interchangeable widgets. Mindset is that they can hire another guy just like you in two months.
New office locations have NO individual offices spaces; everyone sits around oversized tables with snazzy ports. I take most of my calls in the hallway. Other offices will be retrofitted this way shortly. Think third world garment factory arrangement with new chairs and good coffee.
