Beautiful from the outside, toxic work culture inside - Anonymous employee Compass Employee Review

2.0
Apr 23, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

One thing they do do a good job of is attracting amazing talent. You will likely be working amongst some of the smartest people you've ever met. It's too bad that they don't treat these people well.

Cons

There is a complete lack of transparency - major leaders in the company disappear without a trace with no communication to anyone. Those that finally take a stand and quit are painted in a negative light. They do not care about creating a good, healthy company - only about creating one that gets a high valuation for their next round of funding. Everyone comes on believing they are part of something special, and then quickly realizes that they are just a cog in the wheel. No one has time to mentor you or care about your future aspirations; expect a job, not a career. As far as startups go, they try very hard not to be perceived as one (see fancy office and fancy titles). However, they still underpay many of its employees and the typical startup problems still exist, such as lack of structure and guidance. Additionally they approach the business as if it were a corporate bank, as many of the leaders are from the world of finance. If you are a creative or have a background that does not include a consultant firm or Harvard Business School, you are considered a "B" player.

Explore other reviews about Compass

5.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Forward thinking tech company exploring the cutting edge

Cons

Focused on expansion by any means necessary

2.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People are smart. Very much a “move fast and break things” culture which can be refreshing compared to bureaucracy-heavy corporate life. I don’t agree with their values (if they have any) but what they’re doing is unquestionably working - business outlook is strong.

Cons

Leadership will tell you there’s no ego or self-interest involved in their strategy - that is untrue. It’s an extremely heliocentric culture around the CEO. A lot of the work is based around what people they're guessing he’ll like, but there’s no alignment at the outset and something you worked on for weeks/months will be trashed after one look from him. Their mission is ostensibly about empowering agents but they are solving a problem that pretty much no one was complaining about before they started, and which just so happens to work highly in their favor in terms of market share. It’s just business but very disingenuous- don’t believe the hype that it’s altruistic somehow. Also the CEO loves to share his sob story about his single mother upbringing, but simultaneously enacts some of the most anti-parent policies you could think of.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All