The painful decline of an amazing culture and place to work. - Manager Forrester Employee Review

1.0
Jan 20, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people you get to work with on a day to day basis are excellent, intellegent and solutions orientated. Teams are trying their hardest to be progressive.

Cons

The culture in the organisation has taken huge strides backwards. Over the last year we have over-recruited according to the Exec team and these bad decisions have caused 4% (80+ employees) to be laid off, with no warning, consultation or review period. We're still recruiting which doen't make sense and raises the question of why those who were laid off, couldn't be re-attributed to new roles. Work has now been passed onto those who remain causing those to be overworked and working extra hours, just to keep the wheels moving. At the same time, the organization had moved to a hybrid model of 2/3 days in an office location. Prior to this our research showed anywhere working was the key to success, you could split your time how you wanted too, however the exec team have seemingly reversed this decision off the back of a poor year. There's no salary increases this year, so with inflation, cost of living extremities in many countries and having to commute two days a week, you're actually worse off and undervalued by the business right now. The culture that was once fantastic, which included a monthly office day was amazing has been really tarnished over the last week. The executive team lack the transparency they ask the business and their employees for, with our Chief People Officer lacking in empathy and people skills. If you have other options, i'd look elsewhere for your next career move.

Explore other reviews about Forrester

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Forrester is a truly rewarding place to work. I feel like I make a meaningful difference every day, both for our clients and within the organization. The colleagues here are exceptional. They are smart, collaborative, and genuinely supportive. I’m constantly learning from a talented group of people who care deeply about the quality of their work and the impact it has. The culture encourages thoughtful problem-solving, professional growth, and doing work that matters.

Cons

The most challenging aspect right now is the current business performance, which can create uncertainty and added pressure across teams. At times, this environment can impact workloads, decision-making speed, and overall predictability.

2
avatar
Forrester Response
4d
Thank you for your many years of contribution to Forrester ! I’m really glad to hear how strongly you feel about your colleagues and the impact of the work. It's wonderful to see the combination of thoughtful problem-solving, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes reflected in your experience. You’re also right to call out the challenges of the current business environment. Periods of change and performance pressure can create uncertainty, and I know that can impact workload, pace, and predictability. I am confident we are on the right path towards growth this year and it wouldnt have been possible without great colleagues like you. Thank you again for your candid feedback, it means a great deal coming from someone with such deep experience at Forrester. Jobina Gonsalves Chief People Officer
1.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I’m sorry to say, none.

Cons

The way the RA role is postured is dishonest and takes advantage of young professionals looking for research exposure. The title of the role, the fact that they ask for data experience and “excellent academic standing” and the early interview process lead you to believe that you will be engaging actively with and supporting the research. Once hired, it becomes clear that the role is purely administrative and you are there to push paper. They promise research exposure once you “gain the trust of your analysts,” but the lack of RAs and constant layoffs mean that even if that day comes, it’s unlikely you will have time to engage with the research in a meaningful way. Further, many analysts consistently speak down to RAs and clearly have a very low opinion of them, and if not, are only culturally used to leaning on RAs for simple administrative support, so I learned quickly that the idea of an RA engaging closely with research was almost unheard of at Forrester despite what I had been told.

3
avatar
Forrester Response
4d
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and I am sorry to hear it didn’t align with what you were hoping for in the role. At Forrester, the Research Associate role has long been viewed as a strong foundation for launching a career. We typically hear that it offers meaningful learning opportunities, exposure to the research process, and a valuable springboard into a wide range of paths, both within Forrester and beyond. That said, it’s critical that expectations are clear from the start and that employees feel they’re growing in line with those expectations over time. It sounds like that didn’t hold true for you. I’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about your specific experience if you’re open to it. Pls reach out for a call so i can understand more. Thank you again for your candid feedback, and I wish you all the best in your next steps. Jobina Gonsalves Chief People Officer
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