Pros

+ Great pay and benefits
+ Generous vacations
+ Unlimited personal days off
+ 4 day work weeks year round
+ Promotions come automatically
+ Very light workload

I started working at PepsiCo Chicago 22 years ago when we were Quaker Oats. I worked for about 5 years when I realized that my peers were not working and were being promoted. After speaking with them I learned the corporate way:

1) Create a role for yourself: e.g. requirements lead, test coordinator, construction manager, ....
2) Insure the role you choose does not require any tangible output.
3) As the contractors are motivated, let them do the work. Get details/status from them.
4) Document and present the work details/status.

This has been working for over 15 years. I have been promoted 3 times. When PepsiCo purchased us I was concerned about change, but things are even easier now. Management is in Plano Texas and they know even less about what I do than did Quaker management. PepsiCo hires only contractors and no employees, so there is always someone to do the work, and our positions are not threatened.

After 22 years I am ready to retire, but I'll stay around as long as I am being paid, and wait for my package. Hopefully the SAP migration will speed things up.

Cons

- No skill development.
- No movement between departments / cities, can't move to a warmer climate.
- Few motivational activities / programs

Advice to Senior Management

- Create opportunity to move between departments.
- Develop training programs.
- Develop rewards programs.
- Develop more on-site motivational activities.