Alcatel-Lucent Holding Reviews

Pros

The company is well into the merger and the initial hurdles & barriers no longer exist. Great/good benefits. French: easy going culture is more prevalent even in the US.

Cons

Most of the major decision making is top down and execution is at the middle-lower level. Decision making is slow, productivity low, budgets limited.

Advice to Senior Management

Unfortunately, the company is struggling with the over regulation of US markets. Competing with lower cost competitor products and demanding environments of international markets. Create a newer line of lower cost products. Higher quality & reliability are less valuable internationally where the key driver is costs (limited budgets).

Pros

Long term base pay has been at or above averages, bonuses have been weak for an extended time period. Great deal of freedom and flexibility within system. High percentage of "virtual" workers which easily allows migration between jobs.

Cons

Merger in 2006 created "silos" which we have not successfully defeated. Working with French based company is very different and non intuitive for American workers.

Advice to Senior Management

Continue work on destroying silo mentality. Communication through out the organization must continue to improve.

Pros

Very good company with respect for personal life. Execellent educational opportunity for advancement of knowledge base. Very good salary.

Cons

Difficult merger between Alcatel and Lucent. In fighting on what technology and WHAT people to keep or discard. Alcatel seem to be more incharge that Lucent. Downsizing on a weekly basis.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work, great company. I elected to leave on a package to pursue an entrepreneur opportunity. I would work for Alcatel-Lucent again.

Pros

-WONDERFUL work/life balance with options to work from home and flexible hours
-Open door policy
-Pay is really good

Cons

-Really have to network to be promoted
-Communication from top management and down can be better

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work with the company culture, find better ways to trickle down information.

Pros

Excellent benefits, even as benefits between merged companies are being leveled. Management is flexible with needs and continuing education. Teams works well together.

Cons

Stress associated with continued industry downturn and layoffs mean fewer people trying to cover work done by people lost in reductions in force. But this is getting pretty common in business overall...

Advice to Senior Management

Recognize that staff needs opportunity to come together in settings other than town hall meetings. Hi-tech doesn't translate to the same business model as Southwest Airlines, but find a way to get past the reductions in force and stress- and encourage some actual enjoyment in the workplace.

Pros

Compensation and benefits are up there. My management did not do "bed checks and my schedule was fllexible.

Cons

Morale sucks, no job security. Bell Labs was once great. It is very sad to see what became of this company.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop the workforce reductions. The good talent is jumping ship.

Pros

None at this time other than the location.

Cons

management of the company
most people who could find another job has left

Advice to Senior Management

Decide on a clear focus for the company