Great startup where talent and effort can pay off
Pros
Ecobee is a positive, collegial place to work that has a friendly, talented, and experienced team. They are keen to acquire top talent, offer a competitive compensation package and benefits, flexible work hours and allow some remote working for many positions. The team has a diverse range of ages and experience. Unlike some teams that have only 20-somethings or only greybeards, they have a mix that brings great diversity to the table, and proves that a career doesn't have to take the management track in order to survive past 40. In addition to being true pioneers in the IoT space, the founders have a proven track record, and the company has experienced exceptional growth since it was created, which will lead to new opportunities for career growth. The management structure is fairly transparent and flat. Anyone can contribute product ideas or suggest ways to improve internal processes, and people are generally given as much autonomy as they can handle. This is certainly the sort of place where effort and talent can pay off. The senior management were some of the most honest and fair I have ever worked with. Unlike some places I have worked, I have never felt as though what the top management said didn't square with their actions. In my experience, a promise made has always been a promise kept, which has not been the case at some other places I have worked. Obviously, whether that matters can depend on who you directly report to. The office is about a 20 minute walk from the downtown core, which can be a pro or a con, depending on where you live and how you commute.
Cons
I would like to say firsthand that I consider the pros to vastly outweigh the cons; hence the 4- and 5-star ratings. At times, things can get very busy, which can mean that the only significant unsolicited feedback you get is your annual review. Due to the high growth, the current location has become very crowded. Finding space to eat in the office can be a pain. The kitchen works for people who eat out every day, but lacks the facilities to properly support all those who bring food from home. Management could be a bit quicker to unload hires that aren't working out. Sometimes, parting ways can be best for both parties, even if it is hard, even if it creates short term pain. The value of intentionally building corporate culture has been neglected in the past. I believe it is important to make sure everyone on the team understands the corporate mission, values, and voice from their first day on the job, so that it can permeate every detail of the product and customer experience.
