Pros
CSN definitely has some things going for it - laid back culture, friendly people, good benefits (health, dental, free snacks/coffee, subsidized events/T pass/gym membership), great location (Prudential Tower). The owners are very open (from what I can tell) about what's going on with the company. Goals, numbers, etc., are never hidden. On it's best days, the company, although semi-large, does indeed feel like a team. The "best days," though, are usually at company events, where the alcohol flows freely. This includes the annual Holiday party, summer party, and numerous smaller events throughout the year. CSN will eat half the cost of any reasonable event that employees put together (from a soccer team to rafting trips, etc.), which is truly unique and goes a long way toward building team spirit. Most people are friendly and helpful. This is truly the first time I feel as though I work with my friends.
Cons
All that being said, there are some major flaws with the company that kill the experience. First is the salary. People in most positions in the company are making FAR less than they are worth. This is especially true in the systems half of technology department, where a skilled position is being grossly disrespected. The software team is probably appropriately paid and it's quite a slap in the face that the other half of technology is making half their salary. I've been straight out lied to about the timing of my salary review, and I know at least one other person that has had theirs "put off" as well. To top it off, there is a salary freeze "until further notice." And because the base salary is so low, even a respectable raise (in terms of percentage) is not helpful. 5% of junk is still junk. After awhile, you realize that yes, you WOULD put on a suit or give up the free snacks in the break room to make the extra money that you are worth. Bottom line is that the perks, although nice, don't make up for how much they are underpaying you. Not even close. This is really too bad, because CSN is an employer that you WANT to love, and part of you does. Communication is HORRIBLE in the company. There are too many meetings and not enough getting done. Senior management does not listen. Suggestions are ignored, or, even worse, followed only when another, more respected employee makes the same suggestion. Many managers are simply too young, inexperienced, or just aloof. There are plenty of people who do a poor job and are not held accountable, which makes it frustrating for everyone else. Favoritism is rampant and, although touted as a "meritocracy," CSN is far from it. If you follow the rules and "play the game," there certainly is chance for advancement, depending on your department. However, in general there is a huge lack of role definition and career path. The fact that a slew of quality employees were, seemingly randomly, laid off, illustrates that management doesn't have a clue about what goes on at the company. Because no one listens and many people are unprofessional, coupled with the abysmal pay, it's hard to be motivated. I am quite shocked at how well the company does, given these issues. Numerous email chains happen to solve even the simplest of problems, because no one knows what other people's roles are exactly. Efficiency is incredibly low and management, particularly technology, refuses to fix what's broken in order to push on to bigger and better things. This makes things more complex and more unstable. The foundation is not solid given the rapid growth that the company has seen; applying bandage after bandage is not the proper way to repair a boat's hull. Pretty soon the leaks will become too numerous and the boat will sink. The laid-back culture that is a positive for CSN is also a huge negative. The place feels like high school. People abuse the relaxed atmosphere in every way. Foul language in the lobby/elevator, people hungover at work, etc. The place is very cliquey and is all about who you know. This affects both your social and professional standing in the company. It just gets old. For example, getting your lunch stolen out of the kitchen is not an unusual occurrence. The company has some great things going on, but also some major issues. I went from thinking "this is a company I could stay with for awhile" to questioning whether or not the management REALLY values its employees. Salary freeze, layoffs, outsourcing? These are not OK, and free chips in the break room do NOT make up for it. In the end, CSN tries so hard to be your friend, that they end up being a bad employer.
