I used to like when you can go straight to the source to get an answer to a simple question get background info in specific to their role - . But there is now a procedure of moving your question up the chain to see if it needs escalation. It seems longer to me but in fairness this was an effort to crack down on the amount of e-mail received. Until it changed, I was always amazed about how down to earth managers can be when you can just question and get an answer. (Understanding of course the executives are exempt) However, I came from a couple places that had a ton of e-mail daily so I never noticed the volume of e-mail - I'm guessing feedback/complaints must have come around with the newbies that joined so not sure if that's what brought around change. For some individuals, this may indicate to stay in "Your neck of the woods". Also, as much as you want to foster close teams and help your peers there is a fine line drawn in the sand regarding how far to help out a person/problem that cannot be crossed even if you have the answer or great solution to make the process work or bring-on new change. It has a "stay in your lane" kind of feel which is different now then it was then. I'm big about sharing information, cross training and troubleshooting - it's how I got to learn a great deal in the first place in such a fast and small amount of time; but in eventually as time went on and rules were implemented I just ended up staying in my lane... There aren't any yearly reviews or wage increases so estimate then negotiate what you need for how long you anticipate being there (i.e. I need ($x) amount that will cover the #years for the next (x) years before your target time to move on). My first year, I ended up personally reviewing myself to see where I stood lol. I think even a small percentage each year is definitely something to offer and work hard towards new goals set for the upcoming year. The other alternative is to offer a defined contribution plan. Contrary to what people believe in the market, these still do exist in this day and age - for example in IBM, HP, some Insurance Companies etc., it will go a long way to retaining talent and avoid just being the market stepping stone for the sake of being able to name drop your company at an interview. Also, management needs to screen people better when hiring. You get what you pay for - there were a few new people hired that eventually left for a new place but phew (if mgt only new what I knew! But again I thought it best to stay in my lane and didn't say anything - but WOW how did they get in?!) - Please review Indeed if you are unsure how this works - you can pre-screen online - For those individuals that seem like possible candidates, you can send through Indeed a screening test to them. You can add in personality tests as well as skill testing in all different areas. This saves time and money of searching for candidates before making the call which is before the first meet and yes I think there should be a third meet with the next level of management. And if you can guess who I am then you can ask me further lol