Workplace politics and poor leadership hinder progress - Anonymous employee Urban Systems Employee Review

2.0
30 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some co-workers were fine Food

Cons

Leadership Long hours for no real reward Local branch leadership unfit to lead and lack direction Politics rewarding yappers instead of do-ers Zero support for even employees in higher positions When yappers are in control at higher levels, things don't get done as they are completely removed from reality. The entire experience working here circled around certain cliques in the office. The ones who liked to talk and be loud, would clout chase while politicking their way to a higher position -- but are unfit to actually do any of the technical work let alone "lead". They call themselves an engineer when half the things they promise to a client they can't do themselves nor do they even know if it is possible to do. Over promise, under deliver due to not having the technical know how when promising said work to a client or go out of their way to provide free service on top of what the client has already agreed to paying and cause budget over-run. Many talk a big game at the local branch level and have nothing to show for it.

Explore other reviews about Urban Systems

2.0
21 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexibility Decent Pay Autonomy Food

Cons

Requiring feedback is seen as a character deficit - you should have the self awareness to know exactly what your doing wrong and fix it before anyone has to say anything. The culture has a serious problem with feedback. Feedback is seen as an attack. You cannot trust senior leadership, you cannot complain about leadership. There is no HR, and the partnership will stick together. There is no recourse if you have an issue with a partner, it will be there word above yours. The company has an honorable set of values, but they don't live by them. Leadership demands respect, and forget that trust is what creates it. It is not a great place for young professionals. Other firms operate very differently and and industry as a whole values credentials. Urban will encourage you not to get credentials that help you in the job market. They don't set you up well to work in municipalities or other firms. There is a reason partners have often never had another job. Do yourself a favor and don't bring up issues, just leave.

2.0
18 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good central location. Modern office. They try with social events to try to engage employees. If you are white, this is the place for you. You will be paid more than your minority peers and will be given more opportunities.

Cons

I would not work here as a new grad or junior in your career. They don't invest in education or individual studies as mentioned by other reviews here. The mentorship or teachings given at work is outdated or is the most inefficient. No curiosity in advancing technologies because it's how it's been done for years or decades. So still stuck in the 90s processes. I had to unlearn what I learned here and had to re-train to get good at the fundamentals. Salaries and bonuses don't make sense. You don't have a boss/manager in terms of guiding you where your career will go. But you have a boss when it comes to salary. They will tell you that you waer "many hats" while new employees get paid more. Pays less than industry - probably to pay for the nice office and all the social events. Diversity is lip service. If you are a minority, you will be paid less and given less opportunities than your white peers. Even if you yell about what you want in your career or for any suggestions, you will be ignored.

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