Great and exciting company to work for, good people, nice environment. Time to improve remuneration and benefits though
Pros
TransferWise has seen a very exciting growth over the past few years and the addition of a very excited pool of talent who are evangelical about the organisation. From a small startup 5 years ago, it has grown to 550+ people in Europe and the US with additional international locations and coverage being added. The company offers a very pleasant work environment with modern offices and "fun" facilities including relaxation areas, pool tables, saunas, etc. The new Tallinn office even offers open air terrace space and gym facilities. Overall a very young employee force makes TransferWise a very exciting place to work. There is a very friendly and casual environment in all offices which makes the work day go by pleasantly. The recent financing rounds have shown how the company has attracted the attention of serious investors and throws a cast of positive outlook to the shares held by staff. The mission of the company itself is a disruptor to the industry and gives staff a "feel-good" sentiment about their job. TransferWise enjoys a very good name in the industry which of course makes it a very desirable company to work for. And yes, when it comes down to partying, TransferWise people know how to party. Plus there is a lot of talent and creativity around which have manifested themselves in the various company events.
Cons
The company still behaves like a small startup in many ways. Although this has a positive impact on the ability of the company to move fast forward and empowers staff to be independent thinkers and free to decide on their own KPIs, there are some teething problems encountered in the process such as the lack of central direction, interdepartmental communication and consistency. Furthermore the company has recently embarked on a cost rationalisation campaign seeing a very drastic change to expense control, somewhat to an unreasonable level when it comes down to work related travel policies and company events (e.g. Christmas party, etc.) The area that needs the most improvement however is remuneration / benefits. Other than a base salary (typically lower than the industry) and share options (the future value of which in theory make up for the lower base salary) there are not other direct benefits such as private health / life insurance or pension plan. There are no salary reviews or any other provisions (performance, inflation or other) to adjust the initial base salary and share package, which is rather unfair. Holiday allowance is in line with the industry but nothing more and no provisions other than statutory are available for sick / family / bereavement leave etc.
