Pros
Respected organization Get to contribute to meaningful, evidence based research and project implementation Many teams have great work life balance; good paid leave in the context of the US Growing fast, can offer exciting opportunities Passionate and collaborative colleagues for the most part, a low drama and intellectually humble work culture
Cons
Professional advancement is not straightforward regardless of performance, and there is no clarity as to the criteria or opportunities for promotion. Managers have no incentive to invest in the growth of staff and in general, management and mentorship are not valued skill sets. This gives individual managers almost total control over the prospects and experience of staff. In addition, staff uncertainty around career trajectory discourages risk taking. Siloed work means it can also be harder to move laterally than in some other organizations. Pay is low and adheres to a nontransparent “equity based” system that prevents staff from revisiting their pay or receiving raises on the basis of expanded responsibility. New employees are offered higher salaries than incumbents make for the same work. HR is extremely antagonistic and traditional for an organization that purports to be cutting edge and invested in valuing its employees. Struggling to find its niche/unique offer as the climate space grows.