Stay Away: Mental Health Issues, Decision Paralysis, and Old Style - Senior Manager SmartNews Employee Review

1.0
9 July 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Good cash compensation - Strong revenue, pro-covid business - Too big to not IPO as a Japanese company

Cons

-I have seen multiple people go through mental breakdown at the company, management doesn't care, no investment in career growth, managers are themselves under high pressure - they have no time to manage a team, neither do they know how to manage one. As a pre-ipo company this is unacceptable. -Leadership is trying to buy talent, they pour money from Japan to recruit in US, but senior engineers leave in a few months due to poor work culture. - Management has their "folks" embedded everywhere which gather and pass on info to them. This is how they know what is happening sitting in JP. -Reactive culture- Slow to respond, not interested, aloof, "I know it better than you" type of culture

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SmartNews Response
4y
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are deeply sorry that your experience at SmartNews has been anything less than exceptional. We are constantly reflecting and actively working on ways to improve. When it comes to the mental well-being of our employees, we take this issue very seriously and are working hard to alleviate these stresses by emphasizing a culture of communication within the company. If you would like to share additional constructive feedback or comments, feel free to email us at feedback_hr@smartnews.com.

Explore other reviews about SmartNews

5.0
7 Apr 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Founders are very clear about their mission. Many people joined because of this mission.

Cons

Current US business is in an early phase startup while Japan business is already late stage; interesting struggle of the culture mix

2
2.0
8 June 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Smart people, competitive salary, good benefits

Cons

Senior mgt under spell of tech bros despite documented record of failure and ADHD management style on news product no one wants except them.

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