Pros

Deere is a well-managed company. There are great benefits, including a defined-benefit pension plan. It is a very stable environment and you have very good job security.

Cons

Deere is a very traditional company. I don't think that a diverse work environment is encouraged. If you're not white and Protestant, you probably won't fit in. HR representatives make anti-gay comments, and evangelizing in the office is tolerated. Even though my department was overwhelmingly under 30, most were married and having families (not that there's anything wrong with that, but definitely not a place where single people go to happy hour after work). There is very limited flex time scheduling compared to other firms, especially compared to the west coast. Even with the great benefits, Deere has moved to a High Deductible Healthcare Plan, with deductibles over $2000.

Advice to Senior Management

In order to hire and retain young professionals, especially in software engineering, look to companies like Best Buy and Google for model work environments. Flexibility in the day-to-day schedule is the norm rather than the exception. Diversity is encouraged, and non-WASP employees are not alienated.