My experience at TSMC Arizona has been challenging, with issues of discrimination amongst engineers, a severe workload, and a lack of recognition. TSMC presents itself as a leader in technology, but there are systemic problems that need addressing.
There is an undeniable bias in hiring and treatment, favoring Taiwanese locals and assignees over American employees. This bias is not subtle; it's supported by leadership, and evident throughout the departments, creating a sense of inferiority among American staff. Additionally, instead of hiring local employees to help severely understaffed teams, they continue to bring over Taiwanese assignees who do not even work in the department they are being brought into. My department has several openings for engineers and managers, but instead of hiring Americans they have brought more Taiwan assignees over.
The work environment has an unsustainable work-life balance and an overwhelming workload. Employees are expected to put in long hours, sacrificing personal time and well-being for the sake of meeting “targets” our directors set. Leaders focus just on results and undermines morale. Despite delivering on objectives, employees are routinely criticized for minor shortcomings, and successes go unrecognized. There is a strong culture of “highlighting”, where during cross departmental meetings employees who are struggling or make mistakes, are highlighted to leadership. It is extremely toxic and the threat of being highlighted is constantly used throughout our section.
While the pay at TSMC Arizona can be competitive, it comes at a price. High salaries can trap employees in a cycle where they feel they must choose between financial security and a decent work-life balance/mental heath. As an employee you either continue sacrificing well-being for the sake of a paycheck, or prioritize yourself and seek a healthier workplace elsewhere. The high amount of employees leaving speak for themselves - employees are even leaving without having secured a new job.
