"Hunger Games" - Anonymous Employee Smile Train Employee Review

1.0
22 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Idealistic staff doing impactful work in the world for little pay. Great opportunities to travel, raise money, and see impact in the field. Decent benefits and work life balance. Some of the best teammates ever. The organization had much potential, especially under the former CEO, when there was a strong sense of pride, collaboration, and leadership.

Cons

"Hunger Games" happens in June and December when the budget is reviewed and employees are terminated to offset mismanagement of funds. Questionable ethical and legal decisions at HR and executive levels as they offload a growing number of employees every year. The practice is not sustainable and morale will not improve with continued lack of vision, strategy, and leadership.

Explore other reviews about Smile Train

5.0
30 Jan 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible, benefits, work/life balance, and mission

Cons

Would love to see the

2.0
30 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work and impact Good health benefits Many wonderful, brilliant people who are working very hard and believe in Smile Train

Cons

Poor work life balance with little done to actually address the issue beyond platitudes Reactionary, under-qualified CEO that has created a culture of stress and mistrust. High turnover due to poor leadership and a culture of shifting expectations, inconsistency, and favoritism. It’s difficult to deliver on projects and goals when the strategy pivots often and team structures change annually as the latest “silver bullet.” Unaddressed concerns from medical partners due to high turnover of valued staff in Latin America especially; the new regional lead is damaging relationships and the organization’s reputation.

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