Avoid working here at all costs. There are myriad problems with Root and the way it operates. Here are a few select reasons why you should avoid it:
- Incompetent executives: many of the senior leaders at Root are inexperienced and don’t understand how to drive teams forward — let alone a company. Don’t believe me, take a look at the execs yourself. Many have never led a team or have limited work experience. Leadership is the main thing driving this company into the ground (not the pandemic, market, etc.)
- Inconsistent strategy: Root hasn’t ever had a consistent and meaningful strategy. It’s been this way for years, it had just been shielded from public eye until the IPO. There is a clear conflict between the business strategy and the brand. Execs seem to pivot quickly with no real understanding of the long term implications. Look at the company performance and market trends if you don’t believe me. Nothing Root is doing is unique or differentiating.
- Lack of talent density: There’s a major talent density issue across most core functions, like Product, Eng, and Analytics. Though there are some really talented folks at Root, it’s often mitigated by a greater number of people who are under-qualified or inexperienced. This is mainly driven by Root not valuing their employees (see below).
- Employees aren’t valued: People leaders change as frequently as you change your socks. They will pay you like an insurance company, not a tech company. RSU grants leave a lot to be desired, especially considering the negative outlook. If you’re really lucky, they’ll even give you a “retention RSU grant” one month (because you’re the top talent in the company) and then lay you off the next month — seriously, this is true! The recent layoffs likely aren’t a one time occurrence. Either the above things need to change, including replacing the CEO, or this will happen again.
