SXSW Reviews

3.8

63% would recommend to a friend

(77 total reviews)
avatar

Hugh Forrest

100% approve of CEO

45% positive business outlook

SXSW has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 77 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The SXSW employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Arts, entertainment and recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Reviews by job title

77 reviews
3.0
22 Aug 2015

SXSW

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Laidback work environment, casual atmosphere, good location, offers great experience wearing multiple hats to recent grads. Opportunity to make nationally + internationally based high profile contacts.

Cons

Low pay, disorganized management, tenured employees are not open to innovative new ideas, lots of territorial disputes and infighting, all white male leadership with terrible pregnancy policy and not great insurance options.

1.0
12 Mar 2020

sinking ship

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

"cool job", nice office views

Cons

Majority of staff is severely underpaid, and given more work every year but not compensated for extra responsibilities. CEO / leadership openly does not care about employees. Most of management is incompetent and the work place culture is extremely toxic. No opportunities for growth but they'll work you to the bone while they have you. Recent layoffs with more to come.

1.0
16 Sept 2024

Run In The Other Direction

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This event brings creatives together in an environment unlike any other. While the wide ranging topics of interest might be overwhelming, it makes for wonderful chance encounters and inspiration.

Cons

The issues plaguing SXSW are rooted deep within the culture and most staff members who have been there for 10+ years. Those in positions of power have no issues using manipulation tactics, internal drama, and gaslighting to get their work done at the expense of newer and younger staff members. Most roles are, in reality, 3-4 jobs rolled into one, making stress and workload unbearable. Those deserving of praise and admiration are often ridiculed and bulldozed over by the thick layer of bullies festering at the top. Continuing to promote and reward bad behavior while quality people shrivel up from burnout, leave, or are a part of one of the MANY layoffs.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 77 Reviews

Glassdoor has 149 SXSW reviews submitted anonymously by SXSW employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if SXSW is right for you.