Disappointing Culture, Interesting Projects - Systems Engineer SISU Employee Review

We appreciate the point of view expressed by this former employee, whose comments prompted us to find ways to be more sensitive to people on our team. We wish this former employee all the best in her future employment. While there is definitely another side to the story, it saddens me that she felt lonely at work. I take responsibility for making sure our employees know how much they are valued and appreciated. This individual joined Sisu as we were growing quickly, hiring new people, and working out of trailers while our building was being renovated. We were still forming relationships and building traditions. We appreciate the patience of our wonderful employees during this time. We have made significant gains in transparency and hold a meeting quarterly where we provide a financial update and talk about current projects, future projects, and hiring. We field any questions and recognize individuals who have excelled in the company. Employees are invited to visit with us privately at any time with questions or concerns. We do have a prayer or a moment of expressing gratitude at Sisu. Once a week, the employees gather for a company provided meal, and a prayer, a moment of silence, or some other expression of gratitude is offered on the food. Such an expression, which may be offered by any employee, is not religion-specific and can be offered by anyone regardless of their belief or nonbelief in a higher power. We have members of many different faiths as well as employees with no religious affiliation at all. Everyone is welcome. Employees do not have to join the group for lunch. Those who wish to eat together may join before or after the prayer. No one is compelled, but everyone is invited. No business or personnel decisions are made based on the participation or lack of participation in the prayer or the lunch. Reasonable accommodations are provided for those who do not wish to participate in the lunches or in any part of them. This policy is set forth in our employee handbook. As for not holding many after-hours activities, this is certainly true. Our philosophy is different from that found in many other companies. We strive to minimize the time individuals spend away from their homes, friends, families, and personal lives. Working long hours at Sisu is rare. Employees are welcome to self-organize after-hours groups as they wish, but the company does not take the lead. Even so, we care about serving our communities and taking a break from all the work to have some fun. Below is a description of our annual activity schedule: • Anniversary party (May): BBQ for all employees, their families, and significant others. • Summer service project (summer or fall): Sisu has sent teams to flood-ravaged areas to assist with cleanup. Given the dire need of our Texas neighbors, these service opportunities have taken place almost every year for the past several years. • Team-building activity (October or November): We hold an annual off-site activity for all employees. Activities have been held at K1 Racing, Driveway Austin, Boating on Lake Austin, and Escapology. • Christmas-season service project (December): Sisu employees join together to participate in Blue or Brown Santa to wrap presents for families in need. • Company Christmas party (December): This is for Sisu employees and their “plus one.” I hope this helps answer some of the issues raised in this review. There are always opportunities for any company to learn and improve. At Sisu, we strive to take great care of our people. And every so often we come up with some pretty good ideas for industrial robots, too.