Culture is almost dead, avoid unless you work in EPAD (for now) - Manager Discord Employee Review

1.0
7 June 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Discord is really striving to hire and maintain a diverse workforce. They put their money where their mouth is when it comes to WFH budget, trans and fertility benefits, etc. Of course, what I note below for Cons will show that we're not the most inclusive for anyone who won't work 60+ hours per week. If you're young and looking to cut your teeth on something exciting go for it. Great business outlook for IPO/exit.

Cons

People in the EPAD (eng, product, analytics/data, design) org are treated and paid well. Most of the burnout I've seen is from engineers who have imposter syndrome or PMs who are constantly given confusing direction. I worry it's changing though as newer EMs are allowing people with low scores on interviews to get hired. It's not on them, they just know we need bodies in the door. This of course leads to deteriorating culture as the need for bodies outweighs the need for good employees. People in many other orgs I work with are already long gone. I can't say this about every org, of course, but many people I work with are checked out and self-medicating constantly, even during work. Of the dozens of people I've chatted with many are either on the verge of quitting or taking an extended leave of absence for burnout. Others are planning on staying right until IPO and they're going to later days immediately after. As you can see with our responses from our CPO, Discord is trying, but I think it's too little too late. We might get a no meeting day, mental health days each month, or a summer break, but it won't fundamentally change the way senior executives have set us up. Many people are in positions where they literally can't delegate their tasks to someone else without setting up that other person for failure, so we're told "just hold on for another hire". Those hires come but it's always months too late, as there's another fire we're stuck with until a new person is hired. Overall though, nobody is malicious. Everyone is just tired, including the executives, and it seems to cloud their thinking.

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Discord Response
4y
While incredibly disheartening, I want to first thank you for sharing your candid feedback. We’ve heard the theme of increasing workloads loud and clear, especially at the end of a highly taxing pandemic. We are doing everything in our power to address this pain point head on and ensure you and our fellow Discordians feel heard and supported. You mention Discord’s mental health days, a week-long summer break for everyone, and a pilot with no meetings on Thursdays; we know these things are not long-term solutions, but we wanted to respond to employee concerns and provide the “mental reset” that you call out. The work certainly doesn’t stop there. The whole leadership team is focused on how we can scale while being mindful of growing pains as much as we humanly can. As we prepare for Q3 and beyond, we are planning for 80% of capacity from the highest levels of the company to ensure folks don’t overcommit themselves, which includes figuring out what things don’t need to happen right now AND unlocking additional headcount. We’re also working with and providing resources to managers to help manage their teams’ prioritization and workloads. Finally, we are continuously reassessing and addressing hiring needs based on what our teams internally need to be successful (while balancing the need to bring on the right people for where Discord is today). We recognize growing pains are a very real part of a company’s maturation, and we aren't insensitive to the additional complexities that everyone is facing after 16 months in a challenging environment while redefining "business as usual.” Pandemic fatigue is something all companies are currently facing, and we’re no different, which is why we offer the benefits and resources we do to mitigate it as much as possible. That said, it’s not okay for our employees to feel the way you say they are. I would very much like to better understand the unique situations you call out, and I would strongly encourage you (or anyone else feeling a similar way) to reach out to me directly (or your manager, HR business partner or a trusted leader) so we can respond in a meaningful way.

Explore other reviews about Discord

5.0
19 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

people are kind and empathetic. generally people dont take themselves too seriously here. the product is cool especially if youre into gaming.

Cons

been on the same team for 4 years and im starting to get a little bored

4.0
5 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

smart and passionate colleagues, generally good culture.

Cons

disconnect between leadership and ICs. at times can be disorganized and there are many inexperienced managers.

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