How is Zendesk nowadays?
Hi folks - I’m in the process with Zendesk and was wondering how things are looking nowadays (specifically in the product development orgs). I’ve seen mixed reviews since the private equity acquisition. Also saw the news about 8% layoffs this week. Still a place you’d recommend? #zendesk #product
I am still at Zendesk for the amazing people that are smart and kind. Pay is not top tier but the new leadership is trying to be more transparent and institute new processes. They are consistent about asking for feedback and finding ways to balance it against practicality. If you are excited about the team and the scope of work, you should consider joining Zendesk.
The 8% layoffs did not target prod dev this time. management is looking to hire mainly in pune (india), krakow (poland), manila and mexico, if you are from these areas then probably less likely to be laid off. heavy emphasis on cost cutting. promotion cycle is 1 year. afaik teams are full wfh. mood and morale not that great tbh
Yeah I would stay away…you have to fight for backfills and even then only approved in low cost locations. Death by a thousand cuts
This is accurate , just want to add that it depends a lot on team. I was in a team with great engineers but everything we did of good was fucked by a bad manager. The people were great but manager was terrible 😞. Now I am in another team the people continue to be great , awesome co-workers, and I am lucky to be working with an awesome people oriented manager. He is one of the best managers I ever had during my career. 20+ years.
I was in finance and found the politics and infighting intolerable. Also, my boss had no problem delegating most of his responsibilities to me while he tried to coast. Such a disappointment given the good reputation Zendesk had for strong culture. The acquisition by PE only exacerbated these issues further, and now people are running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Attrition has not been "too bad" yet, but given what a rollercoaster of a ride it has been, combined with no raises for Bay Area based employees and all of this very obvious cost cutting initiatives, it's only a matter of time before people start looking/leaving and those left behind are holding the bag to carry the remaining workload. All around, not good at all.
I am in prod dev. Do not recommend. A complete mess. Low morale, everyone is chilling
accurate. i can tell ppl are dragging their feet on work and coasting
I am in prod dev and I recommend it, please feel free to contact me. As others said, very low backfill at the moment and most hire in lcol, still I am enjoying my time here. Full remote
Don't join Zendesk. Its not the way it was and you'll just be disappointed. Everyone who is good for the company has been included in the lay-off.
What changes since the acquisition took place?
Run away! Why would you join a company owned by PE firms unless you got no other option?
Hence the post, to suss out the risk. The gig would be better comp, upward mobility and more responsibility.
Well, then take it but don’t expect any meaningful work. You will be overworked because when employees leave, PE firms don’t hire anyone to replace em. And usually there’s no innovation; they just do the bare minimum to keep customers happy. Their equity is worth $0. I can go on and on but you got my point. ;-)