Pros
1) Veem is a constantly changing environment - the product and the way you approach your job, as well as the tools you use, are constantly evolving which makes the work both engaging and interesting. The company is good at being dynamic and can react and implement positive changes quickly. 2) Open dialogue –there is nothing stopping you having direct access to senior management when discussing ideas and challenges and they are well received as long as you have the data to back it up. You are encouraged to be open and frank with your input as long as it is constructive. 3) As Veem is growing exponentially in several departments it is a good company to get into and impress. Quick promotions or specialisms are offered internally when a team grows. 4) Not a stuffy environment – you can wear comfortable casual clothing, there is a relaxed feeling on the floor with plenty of open dialogue, there are people I consider to be good friends which all makes for a great team environment. 5) Competitive compensation and benefits (RRSP matching and stock options) as well as free parking – being in Kanata South means you are usually driving against traffic which for a lot of people makes for a good commute. Bagels on a Monday, staff lunches every fortnight and occasional beers and snacks are a bonus. 6) My management team is always very accommodating of my needs outside of work – if I have an appointment it is not an issue to make your hours work around that within reason. You also can work from home if there is good reason to (i.e. bad weather, sickness, need to be home for reno/deliveries) as long as it is not abused. 7) The product is good and getting better. It always helps when you believe in your company and you are solving real problems for your customers.
Cons
1) Communication could be improved. In my department policy is written in a different office – these policies can be changed at any time (which is a good thing), but often it will not be communicated well to all the staff charged with implementing the rules. Frequently you find out after you have made a ‘mistake’ (i.e. making a decision based on the policy previously established rather than one implemented on the fly that hasn’t been communicated to you). 2) The quality of the workforce appeared to dip during a period of rapid expansion. What started as a small, motivated team was diluted by ‘9 to 5’ers who are just filling a seat and getting a check rather than having a real desire to improve the company. Some of this does seem to have been noted and steps taken to rectify this. 3) Staffing – there does not seem to be a plan for expanding departments (i.e. as revenue grows by xx%, this team needs xx% extra manpower to deal with the extra workload). It appears that right now the system is to wait until the load is too much to bear and then hire (by which point you are behind the 8 ball by several weeks with hiring and training time). This makes it hard to catch up and also hinders the ability to take vacation and public holidays (which does improve if your team grows but is tough in a small department). Again, we have been told that this will be improved and there is plans to add team members in line with the company growth in other areas. 4) While Veem does place value on working hard and improving yourself in the workplace, there is little support or encouragement for facilitating training or education outside of work (even if it is related to your position). This seems to be against the norm for progressive companies who have built in budgets for you to choose courses and activities that will help you upskill and become a better employee as a result.
