Best place to work at until it isn't
Pros
Exceptional HR Support: Avanade's HR is genuinely supportive, with team members often going beyond expectations to cater to individual needs. Also if you report bullying, you should be protected. Comprehensive Benefits: Employees enjoy bonuses, gadget allowances, flexible leave options (including the ability to purchase additional leave), annual salary increases, and free certifications. The tech support for remote work is also commendable. Client Exposure: Working here means access to major clients, which is beneficial for career growth. Availability to free high quality courses and a huge knowledge database.
Cons
I really loved Avanade while I was working there and I at some point I thought this is the best place I ever worked at. However, since around 2020 I have noticed a huge shift in the culture, mainly driven by DEI policies and dependence on Microsoft and Sitecore partnerships Note, Avanade is a consultancy firm, so if you're a person that likes being and staying on tools and you're good, you're eventually be pushed into management and there you may loose entirely the touch with tools. Sudden Layoffs: Job security can be an illusion; there have been discreet redundancy waves where even employees with 7+ years of service were unexpectedly let go by managers who barely knew them. Career Advisor Availability: Career advisors are not always accessible, and promotions can feel more like a favor than a merit-based decision, depending largely on your relationship with your advisor. Redundancy Terms: There is a redundancy package, but it's often not the best deal, with little negotiation power for those affected. In 2024, two redundancy waves led to significant losses of experienced engineers. Team Cohesion: The project-based work structure leads to a lack of team culture, making it tough to build long-term professional relationships due to constant staff rotation. Offshore Project Challenges: Some projects involving offshore teams, particularly those based in India, have faced issues with code quality and maintenance. Low quality off-shore workforce - communication can be a hurdle due to language differences and differing expectations on work ethics. Partner Influence: Heavy reliance on Microsoft and Sitecore can sometimes stifle innovation or force the use of less-than-ideal tools due to partnership obligations. Salary Competitiveness: Salaries for engineers might not always match the level of dedication, results, or passion shown, suggesting there's room for improvement in compensation.
