Mixed Bag: Great Talent and Perks, but Toxic Leadership Hinders Productivity - Product Manager Handshake Employee Review

1.0
23 May 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Incredible Talent: Handshake undoubtedly attracts some of the best professionals in the industry. Working alongside such talented individuals provided ample opportunities for growth and learning. Good Perks: The company does offer a range of enticing perks and benefits, which contribute to a positive work-life balance and overall employee satisfaction.

Cons

Egotistical Bottle-Necked Leadership: One of the major drawbacks at Handshake is the presence of egotistical, micro-managing leaders. These individuals tend to impose themselves unnecessarily in various projects, hindering progress and undermining the authority of project leaders. C-level Out of Touch: It's disheartening to witness a disconnect between the C-level executives and the rest of the company. The lack of understanding and involvement from higher-ups often leads to misguided decisions and inefficiencies. Toxic Micromanagement: The pervasive culture of micromanagement makes it difficult for employees to thrive. There is a constant feeling of walking on eggshells, as if any misstep could lead to repercussions. This stifles creativity and inhibits the ability to do one's best work.

Explore other reviews about Handshake

5.0
12 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work at your own pace.

Cons

Task limit when new to project.

2.0
12 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It's flexible and sometimes the money is OK. I got paid most of what they owed me.

Cons

Generally disorganized. The task I was on was one of the more highly paid ones but it was almost impossible to actually do in the allotted time. You aren't supposed to use AI but I think people must. The tasks run far over the time they are supposed to take. The human review system also seemed almost arbitrary. Reviewers did not have the subject matter expertise they claimed to. You will make less than the advertised hourly rate because the tasks routinely take longer than they say they will. If they have averages that are lower, those people are either not submitting accurate hours (there is incentive not to) or are using AI to train AI, which is a bigger problem (but not yours).

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