Marketplace Tech Big Tech pivots from the carrot to the stick
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May 27, 2025 Alistair Barr, author of the Business Insider Tech Memo Newsletter, dissects the changing landscape of Big Tech. He highlights how companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Google are moving from a culture of perks to strict performance reviews aimed at boosting productivity. The conversation dives into the rise of AI's influence on hiring practices and the ethical concerns surrounding block lists that prevent rehirings. Barr examines the potential job insecurities employees face amid these tightening standards, signaling a stark shift in workplace culture.
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Tech's Tougher Performance Reviews
- Big Tech like Microsoft, Meta and Google have shifted to tougher performance reviews to raise productivity.
- This marks a shift from the perks-focused culture of Silicon Valley a decade ago.
Google's Budget-Neutral Bonus Shift
- Google boosts top performers with bigger bonuses within a budget-neutral system.
- This creates a sharper divide between high performers and average or struggling workers.
End of Rest and Vest Era
- 'Rest and vest' culture means employees coast to vest stock awards over years.
- Tech companies are moving away from this by demanding more active performance engagement.