Good culture - Software Developer OpenUp Employee Review

The product genuinely helps people and has a meaningful impact. There’s real potential here to make a difference in the mental health space, and some colleagues are truly passionate and supportive.

Unfortunately, the working culture doesn’t reflect the mission. HR tends to side with leadership, particularly the CEO, leaving employees feeling unheard and undervalued. Layoffs happen regularly, creating an ongoing sense of anxiety and instability. There’s also a lack of clear direction from senior leadership, resulting in a short-term “hire and fire” mentality. Professional development opportunities are minimal, and the office environment particularly in the commercial area is uninspiring, with little natural light. It’s disappointing that a company focused on mental wellbeing doesn’t always practice what it preaches. Sadly, many employees report feeling more burnt out or stressed after their time here.

Culture is supportive and flexible, it’s a psychologically safe environment which is great as they really practice what they preach, which can’t be said for all health tech businesses. Free vegetarian lunch is provided for those in the Amsterdam office. Flexible working is encouraged. Colleagues are good to work with. Huge amount of talent as well.

Unless you’re Dutch or German, it doesn’t feel very inclusive. In my perspective, it was a clique-y environment Can feel quite disillusioning and disheartening for those not in the office all the time or for those who weren’t part of the original team at the business. Very much growing pains of a start-up to scale-up. The business grew at a high rate and it feels like there wasn’t enough focus put in on how the culture would change as a result. As such - very focused on how to serve employees in Amsterdam, as opposed to remote employees. Doesn’t feel reflective of a scale-up which is international in nature with a workforce all over. Often felt excluded due to this aspect. Managers seem to have far too many direct reports (at least this was my experience) and 1:1s become check-ins on work. Did not feel like my professional development was encouraged or supported. Perhaps if I was at the business longer this would have come about - however, it wasn’t apparent from the start, which isn’t a good sign for me.