Pros
The culture in my program as well as my colleagues were extremely supportive, competent, knowledgeable and kind. For the most part, the work is mission driven and people care about the work they’re doing and the benefits to humanity. The work schedule is flexible and benefits are respectable (but not leading edge). Overall, I felt valued by my co-workers.
Cons
Recent layoffs due to a reduction in force revealed multiple weaknesses at the executive level. The process was largely disorganized and those tasked with executing it (primarily HR staff) were unsupportive and often lacked empathy. It felt like a bad breakup with a hostile ex. Communication from leadership implied employees being laid off were no longer valued by the RTI and were only given minimum support to navigate a very difficult and swift transition. Their Chief Human Resources Officer was conspicuously absent from layoff procedures. He and his team appear to lack basic emotional intelligence including empathy—and instead default to standardized legal language to CYA.