Pros
Team-based culture based on solid relationships, treating people the "right way" and driving for business outcomes. Very customer focused, especially in San Diego, where employees sometimes obsessively focus on the customer experience. Constant use of customer feedback, use studies and market research to make sure we are building a product that truly addresses customer pain points. Work-life balance is fairly easy to achieve, and most managers support (within reason) flexible schedules, time-off needs, family obligations, etc. The new SD site is a palace, from the collaborative office spaces, restaurant-quality cafe, fitness center, outdoor views, etc. Senior Leadership and the next level down is, in general, excellent and impressive. The new strategy/vision focused on Innovation is a much needed shot in the arm for new product development.
Cons
The downside of our "nice" culture is that we do not drive high performance as much as most managers think we do. Managers tend the "play the cards they are dealt" instead of removing/replacing below average talent. Some of the long-term employees are on cruise control, and are protected/valued for contributions they made years ago. EE's like to think they work long and hard, but aside from specific groups with heavy seasonal workloads, this is a 9-5 culture with time for lunch and coffee breaks... There are people who are stuck in the past success of our core product, and need something to shock them out of complacency. I believe the new CEO sees this.