MSFT leadership devoured the poison pill called AI
Pros
2022 or earlier - culture was legit. They backed up what they sold their culture on - people. They treated human beings like human beings. Radical idea, no? A lot of very smart, talented, and interesting people actually working together. WLB depends on what org and role, but very reasonable for what I endured.
Cons
The shift to AI in late 2022, while seemingly strategic at the time, is now the unstoppable train that internally has destroyed the culture and reputation that Nadella had sincerely earned over a decade. What was legitimate employee-centric culture is pretty much destroyed - just like employee morale. The only reason people continue to work here is out of fear of the rest of the market, not because of anything inspiring or mission-oriented. If the hiring market was better, I think people would be bailing. I feel sorry for most people who work here today - as they are now in a cult. The cult of "yes". There is no more pushback for fear of retribution. There's no more discussion or collaboration - and if there is, it's all performance theater. Leadership bet on GenAI - and the peons must incorporate this into the fabric of their being. Any dissent from anyone is extinguished.