Working at IBM (International Business Machine) is no less than a dream for any tech professional. But have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of working at this company?
I have done the hard part for you and found that the pros of working at IBM are employee-benefit programs, work-life balance, diverse work culture, growth opportunities, and a few more.
However, there are a few disadvantages, such as:
- Poor Top-down communication
- High Workload
- Low Salaries
After reading this article, you will be well informed about all the pros and cons of working at IBM!
Pros of Working at IBM
IBM is based in Armonk, NY, but it’s not limited to one city! The tech giant company expands to over 171 countries! That’s a whopping number, right?
Being the pioneer of the tech industry, IBM not only improves, it innovates the use of technology in every person’s life. So, making yourself a part of such an innovative company is an achievement in itself!
But, If you are looking to work at IBM, I’ll discuss the perks of working there below:
1. The Brand Name of IBM
With the IBM name attached to your job designation, it gives others the impression that you are a skillful and talented individual. You won half the battle there and have the bragging rights!
Not only that, If you decide to work somewhere else, the same IBM name on your resume can prove to be a game changer! Many companies like to hire and offer better pay to a professional who already works with industry giants.
2. Work-Life Balance
IBM provides a workplace policy program to its employees. It strikes a balance between their work and family obligations.
The program gives the following benefits to maintain a work-life balance.
- Work-from-home opportunities (depending upon the position and project you are in, also if your manager allows it)
- Flexible working hours
- Parenting Benefits
- Time off when needed
(Source)
During my research, I came across this review on the Quora website from an ex-employer at IBM. Here’s what she has to say. “Well I enjoyed working at IBM majorly because I got an option of working from home which I needed after having a family. It depends mainly on your manager if you can work from home on days when there are no meetings scheduled at your work location.” (Source )
3. Diverse Work Culture
IBM is a sound advocate of a diverse workforce, and they play a huge part in its success. People from different ethnicities, genders, minorities, and communities bring their unique skill sets to the firm. These are:
- Black
- Hispanic
- Pan-Asian
- Native Americans—as well as military veterans
- People with diverse abilities (PwDA), including the neurodiverse community
- LGBTQ+
(Source)
They are all considered equal, and there is no discrimination when it comes to pay, workload, and other official matters.
Not to forget the women’s representation at the firm!
During my research, I was amazed to learn that 37.6% of employees are women at the company, and these stats are on an upward trajectory each year! (Source)
4. Growth Opportunities
Investing in the employees is the best thing a company can do! IBM understands the fact that its employees are their greatest asset.
Therefore, the company emphasizes educational resources for the employees. It gives them complete access to various learning programs of their interest, and it’s business.
And what about career growth, you may ask? Well, for this purpose, the IBM Consulting Department has been created.
The core responsibility of this department is to provide a clear pathway to its employees regarding their next career move. Whether you’re a fresher or an experienced individual, comprehensive guidance about growth and promotion is provided. (Source)
5. Freedom to Work on Projects
When working with industry pioneers, there may not be a variety of projects to choose from! Usually, the top-level management just assigns work, and then it’s their way or highway!
Luckily, that is not the case when you are working at IBM!
You can have the freedom to choose any project that is of your liking! But, a project making a big impact on business is undertaken with mutual consent. (Source)
6. Employee Benefit Programs
IBM offers multiple beneficial programs. All of them are tailored to the various needs of their employees. These needs range from health and mental well-being to disability and retirement plans.
Let’s have a quick look at all the categories and their respective beneficial programs in the table below.
| Categories | IBM’s Special Programs |
| Improved Health & Well-Being | MeQuilibrium |
| Financial Well Being | Money Smart |
| Employee’s Well Being | EAP(Employee Assistance Program |
| Counseling Support | TalkSpace |
| Financial & Retirement Benefit | 401(K) Plan |
| University Education Support | Watson Scholarship Program |
| Disability Coverage | Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Plans |
| Personal/Business Vacations | Customized Vacation Plans/Paid Leaves |
( Source)
Cons of Working at IBM
As they say, there’s always another side to the picture! Following are some of the disadvantages of working at IBM. Let’s take a close look at these cons!
1. Poor Top Down Communication
Communication is the key to success! It’s surprising that IBM has poor to no communication between its upper management and employees. But it is still succeeding somehow.
While working at the firm, social media and television news are the only two sources to learn about any company-related news. (Source)
2. High Workload
With fame comes responsibility! If you are working with a company as big as IBM (Both in size and reputation), then be prepared for a heavy workload!
When working with an international client, you are required to do your job even on national holidays! If a client needs you on your off days or weekends, then you are bound to work. That’s a big turnoff! (Source)
3. Comparatively Low Salaries
If you compare the salary at IBM with other consulting companies, then surely, it is a bit on the lower side for some. (Source)
Especially for the new hires, they often complain about low competitive salaries. But there is a flip side to it! After developing your skills for a year or two, or if the company moves your roles, you can ask for a raise and get a decent package.
Another reality! Although IBM states on its website that it will compensate for overtime, the management is really shy of paying little to no overtime pay for many roles. (Source)
Wrapping up!
In this article, I have profoundly discussed 6 Pros and 3 Cons of working at IBM!
As evident, the good reasons to join the company are great in number! I believe you can somewhat ignore the bad ones, as these come with many roles in other enterprises!
The only hard thing in my research was finding the cons! Most of the IBMers are happy workers. So, if you want to work at IBM, there is a lot of good out there!
