Declining engineering culture - Software Engineer Booking.com Employee Review

1.0
10 Sept 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

if you are lucky enough you may end up in a team that uses the latest tech stack

Cons

Too much interference from management and product owners in the engineering department. What started as an initiative to make this company an engineering place ended up in a micromanagement environment , increasing headcount with mediocre engineers and filling management and product owner positions with people that lack or have no engineering background.

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Booking.com Response
7y
Wow! Thanks for your feedback, although I am clearly very disappointed with how you feel. My surprise is kind of enhanced by the fact that on Friday I participated in Go Innovate (our week long celebration of Engineering and Product) with a 3 day hack that I thought was one of the most inspiring events we've held and what was most inspiring? The People. I was blown away by the Calibre and passion of our colleagues in engineering, product, analytics et etc. It was a real celebration of collaboration completely at odds with what you describe. Yes some of our tech is dated but we have a plan and are working on it (you must know that). Yes we are still growing and developing as an organisation and growing engineering and product ownership skills. I think your comments about some of your colleagues is frankly insulting. However, I would love to learn more about why you feel the way you do. I'd urge you to reach out to me or Gavin or one of the People Team. I doubt you will of course but that is a shame as you clearly have a strong view and I'd love to understand it (completely in confidence of course) Thanks Ryan

Explore other reviews about Booking.com

5.0
30 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great, definitely recommend if looking for start up

Cons

No cons all pros only

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Booking.com Response
1w
Hi, thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that Booking.com has been a great fit for someone with a startup mindset. Our culture of experimentation and innovation is something we're really proud of, and it's great to know it resonates. We hope you continue to thrive here! The Booking.com team
3.0
4 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexibility, make your own schedule

Cons

NO learning and development Opportunities for growth often required moving into a different role or team found the compensation to be below market

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