Lies, damned lies, and no statistics - Platform Software Test Engineer WillowTree Employee Review

1.0
17 Aug 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None - All benefits have been cut at this point, people that weren't laid off are leaving en masse

Cons

I was told in my 6 minute HR meeting that due to a restructuring, my role was eliminated. That was a lie. I was full-time, on a project that wasn't scheduled to shrink for a few months (there was a budget with the client for all team members). After I was let go, someone that was NOT allocated or familiar with the project took over my role from a different office. I also saw job postings for my role on LinkedIn days after the mass layoff- but for Brazil applicants only. It's hard enough to get laid off, but to be lied to in such a way is disrespectful, dehumanizing, and depressing.

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WillowTree Response
2y
I do have to say as a factual clarification that benefits have not been cut. All that has been cut are certain office perks (like free lunch once a week), that we decided in consultation with the company as a whole. That was an incredible process as folks came up with all sorts of ideas on how we can manage costs during this tech industry downturn. The May layoffs were a heart breaking process as we reduced the number of team members and I am sorry you were part of that. It was important that we talk to each impacted person directly (vs. a mass communication as some have done), and be able to provided excellent packages so impacted team members have the time to find new opportunities. In that, we tried to do what was a very difficult thing, in the most human way possible . - TD

Explore other reviews about WillowTree

5.0
29 May 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great opportunity, take hirevue seriously

Cons

No cons, love this internship

3.0
29 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of really nice, and smart people who are very collaborative and excited to share their knowledge. This is not a prestigious place to work, so I was a bit surprised by just how smart and competent people are at WillowTree or TELUS Digital, whatever our name is. The offices are great and the office culture is ridiculously good. Huge shoutout to the employees (it's def not upper management) who go out of their way to make the office culture great. Depending on what project you're on, it can be a pretty chill place to work. If you're early in your career and need experience, the variety of projects makes this a genuinely good opportunity.

Cons

The biggest con is the compensation. It's so terrible, and far below the industry standard that I don't really see how anyone could stay here long term. They don't give raises, no one is getting promotions. There's also quite a lot of restructuring going on, and very poor communication about it. Which is par for the course in the tech industry at this point, but worth noting. It feels relatively stable for now, but I really have trouble seeing how their tech services division is going to survive as AI decreases the cost to build software. Plus, tech services as part of TELUS Digital doesn't really make any sense long term. It's a contact center business with a bunch of people that randomly make expensive mobile apps? It seems to be making enough money for now to keep going, but I feel like that could change any moment.

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