Tech Industry Struggles: Impact on Employee Satisfaction
By Matt Coleman
Published January 10, 2024
The tech industry is facing a challenging period, with both Google and Microsoft experiencing a decline in their rankings on Glassdoor's list of the top 100 companies to work for in 2024. Google's ranking dropped from No. 8 to No. 26, while Microsoft's fell from No. 13 to No. 18. Notably, other major tech players like Meta, Zillow, and Zoom did not make the list at all for the second consecutive year. Glassdoor's annual Best Places to Work ranking assesses companies in the UK and US with 1,000 or more employees based on feedback from their workforce. The 2024 rankings revealed a significant decrease in the representation of tech companies, with only 31 making the list, compared to 41 in the previous year.
Factors Contributing to the Downturn
The decline in tech companies making the list can be attributed to the broader challenges faced by the tech industry, which have impacted employees' perceptions of their workplaces. The sector witnessed a substantial number of layoffs, with over 260,000 employees being laid off globally in the previous year. Additionally, in the first nine days of 2024, more than 2,000 workers in the tech sector were laid off. Glassdoor's lead economist, Daniel Zhao, highlighted that even employees at traditionally stable companies expressed concerns about their employers' business outlook. Reviews from employees at Google, Meta, Zoom, and Zillow cited recent layoffs, long working hours, and poor management as significant drawbacks, contributing to a decline in overall employee satisfaction.
Success Amidst Struggles
Despite the challenges faced by the tech industry, some companies managed to defy the odds and maintain positive rankings. Apple, with fewer layoffs compared to other tech giants, re-entered the list at No. 39 after being absent in 2023. Chipmaker NVIDIA achieved an impressive ranking at No. 2, receiving praise from employees for its passionate and intelligent workforce, strong company culture, and favorable benefits. While the tech industry may have lost some of its allure, it remains well-represented on Glassdoor's list, with companies like Apple and NVIDIA showcasing resilience amidst the industry's difficulties.
Unexpected Standouts: In-N-Out Burger
An unexpected revelation from the rankings is the consistent high ranking of In-N-Out Burger, a non-tech company, as one of the best places to work since 2015. In contrast, other fast-food rivals did not make the list at all. Employees at In-N-Out Burger cited favorable pay, benefits, positive work environment, flexible hours, and complimentary meals as factors contributing to their high satisfaction.