Awful workplace and getting worse - Engineer WSP Employee Review

1.0
Sep 13, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice bunch of people doing the technical work (though many are unhappy and will no doubt start leaving). Used to be a great culture.

Cons

WSP bought the company I worked for (Opus) and it has been a downhill slide since then. It started with little changes (all pot plants removed nationwide, no more free newspaper for staff to read at lunchtime) that then progressed to changing the company management structure (going from a relatively flat structure to bringing in numerous management levels) and now they're making numerous policy changes that make doing our job more difficult and make employees feel like numbers, not people. The new management structure introduced several levels of middle management that are all ineffective and powerless. Technical staff are treated with little respect and policy changes have left us totally disempowered. Graduates are offered good training opportunities but staff above graduate level are offered nothing. The upper management is full of sycophants who constantly "slap each other on the back" for what a great job they're doing but don't acknowledge the contribution of technical staff. Numerous staff within the company were forced to take pay cuts due to Covid-19 and the upper management were very keen to inform us of the (tiny) pay cuts they also took, but they've not been very upfront about the significant bonuses many have since been paid. WSP is very quick to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to the latest trendy cause (mental health awareness, lgbt issues, diversity awareness etc) but they only pay lip service to it - they'll happily "manage out" staff with mental health issues if they're seen as a financial liability to the company. I felt very loyal to Opus as it was a great place to work - I feel no loyalty to WSP whatsoever.

Explore other reviews about WSP

5.0
May 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great and supportive team, peers and healthy work culture, good scope of growth.

Cons

Pay relative to the industry and lower YoY hike in base salary, low PTOs

5.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

With over 30 years in the engineering industry, I can say without hesitation that this is the most employee-attentive firm I have ever had the privilege of working for. What sets this organization apart is its commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry — not just technologically, but in how it values and invests in its people. The collective expertise of thousands of dedicated professionals here doesn't just benefit the company; it makes a meaningful impact on the world, and that sense of purpose has genuinely reignited my passion for engineering. The opportunities for growth are both vast and real. Across the firm's many initiatives, there is something for everyone who comes to work curious, motivated, and eager to contribute. This is not a place where ambition goes unnoticed. After more than three decades in this field, I have found a place I am proud to be part of — and one I hope to remain a part of for many years to come. If you are considering joining this team, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that step.

Cons

If I have to mention a con, it would be monetary compensation, but who doesn't want more money. I took a paycut to join this firm and the amount of time I am investing, could be worth more than my current salary warrants.

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