Pros
(1) Lots of smart, hardworking, thoughtful people (while they last...) (2) Interesting and complex investment portfolio (3) Great place to learn what to do and what not to do (4) 100% paid healthcare (5) Bathroom stalls that don’t have that little gap in the door
Cons
(1) Fear-based, cult culture - The smartest and most capable employees don't get promoted. The people who get promoted are the ones who most wholeheartedly embrace the fear-based culture, follow the rules and avoid blame. - Voicing ideas that deviate from the consensus are frowned upon at best and penalized at worst. There is an unspoken demand for unquestioning loyalty to the leaders and the firm. - The "XYZ Business System" is dogma, and the reason for and justification of all actions (or inaction) taken in the organization, substituting the need for individual critical thinking skills. - Management does not respect boundaries or individuals' personal lives/situations. (2) Mediocre leadership veiled by prestige is pervasive. Leadership is characterized by low emotional intelligence, disrespect, bias, intimidation and a lack of empathy, support, recognition and self-accountability. (3) Human Resources promotes a highly toxic and unhealthy working environment that is characterized by ineffective and negative communication, dishonest behavior, punitive practices and policies, and strained relationships between employees and managers. HR is inept, demoralizing, and demeaning. (4) Employees feel not just unheard, but at times actively ignored. It feels like there is a disconnect between how the executive team thinks about work-flexible, staffing and resourcing needs, professional development, and the lived experiences of many of Baupost’s employees. (5) Career growth opportunities (both in compensation and professional development) are limited to nonexistent due to departments increasingly being outsourced.