Microsoft is one of the most well-known modern technology companies in existence today.
They were at the forefront of the digital revolution and still have a solid presence decades later.
For many, working for Microsoft can provide many opportunities and benefits in terms of employment.
However, it is essential to understand both the pros and cons of working for such a well-known company.
Keep reading to find out more details about working for this industry giant and help determine if this is the employment opportunity you desire.
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Pros of Working for Microsoft
Working for Microsoft can offer employees a wide range of options and benefits.
Anyone considering applying for a position with this company should learn more about these top pros.
1. Health Benefits and Financial Planning
One of the biggest pros of working for Microsoft is the extensive benefits package they offer.
This company provides its employees with a full range of health benefits.
One great perk that comes with the health benefits is a yearly allowance to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses that insurance does not cover.
This money is also helpful for medication and more.
Paying for healthcare and related expenses is a significant struggle for many employees, so having good benefits is a major relief and helps provide security.
Microsoft is also attuned to the financial needs of its employees.
They also offer plenty of financial planning options to help save for retirement and keep track of financial wellness.
2. 40-Hour Work Week
The standard 40-hour workweek is a highlight for many.
That means you have a better work/life balance and free time to pursue other interests.
Many companies have much longer workweek expectations that take up the employees’ free time or family time.
3. Updated Tools and Resources
Working for one of the top technology companies globally allows employees to have advanced tools and resources at their disposal.
One complaint many office workers have about their jobs is a lack of resources or updated tools to help them get their jobs done more effectively and with less struggle.
4. Stability
Most Microsoft employees enjoy working for the company because it allows them the ability to have stability within their careers.
Those who do a good job and work consistently can enjoy working with a company they know will keep them working consistently and even upward mobility.
5. Resume Booster
Even if Microsoft is not the company you choose to work with until retirement, it is still a great bonus name to add to your resume.
Working for Microsoft can carry weight when a potential employer weighs the options between candidates.
It may just be enough to put you over the top in some cases.
6. Holiday and Vacation Time
Another major perk of working for Microsoft is the generous holiday and vacation time they offer.
The company allows for ten different paid holidays and 15 vacation days.
This is considered very generous in the industry, but Microsoft also offers two personal days and ten sick days to add to vacation and holiday time.
That means employees have a way to include time for family, medical issues in illness, and any other instances where they may need time away from work.
Cons of Working for Microsoft
While there are many benefits to gain from working for Microsoft, there are also some cons to be cognizant of before beginning a career working for the company.
Consider the following cons that some experienced during their time with the company.
1. Competition for Advancement
There is a tremendous amount of competition for advancement and management positions within the company.
That is because they prefer to be promoted from the lower ranks, which means that everyone is highly competitive for those spots, and it can become stressful.
If you thrive on competition, this could be a plus, but most people would find the constant pressure somewhat of a disadvantage or turnoff.
2. Isolation
Those who work on the Microsoft campus can feel isolated from the outside world.
This job is physically isolating during work hours and at breaks, but it can also feel isolated from a technology standpoint.
The campus is set away from the outside world and is somewhat self-contained.
Those who work there will not see much of the outside world during their workweek.
In addition, the technology they use is very confined and limits communication and contact with external sources.
Microsoft likes to keep its projects, work, and interactions confined within the company.
That can create some disillusionment with workers.
3. Promoting Within
As mentioned previously, Microsoft prefers to promote from within its ranks.
That can mean a challenge for anyone who wants to begin working in any role besides an entry-level position within their field of expertise.
Most people who work there start from the bottom and have to work their way up.
There is tons of competition and scrambling for each new position that opens along the way.
That may be a big turnoff for many who want to advance or have better qualifications than those working in entry-level positions.
4. Not Much Variation
One issue that many people have working with Microsoft is boredom.
The job they assume does not have much variation from day to day and can create a scene of monotony for many.
Employees tend to leave over time because they do not feel challenged or the daily duties become boring and do not spark a desire to keep working there.
Some may thrive on predictability and repetition, but those who like variety in their work and assignments may feel like they are not being creative or have a chance to break from the day-to-day grind.
While this might not be the case with certain positions requiring more creative input and demands, the average employee must be aware of the repetition and expectations.
5. Performance Reviews
Most larger companies provide employees with performance reviews periodically to provide them with valuable feedback and qualify them for advancement and promotions within the company.
However, many reported that the studies didn’t reflect their performance in detail and were ambiguous and subjective.
That can make moving up in the company more challenging and opportunities unclear.
The performance reviews usually reflect whether the employee follows instructions from superiors and completes their assignments according to specifications and deadlines.
6. Lack of Communication
Many employees reported that they hardly communicated with other departments.
Each department is compartmentalized within itself in terms of communication.
These departments relay information to their managers and other superiors who oversee communications between different company departments.
Additionally, there is not always strong communication with management either.
Most employees and teams work together and only relay necessary details or answer requests for information when necessary.
This is another reason that many feel that working for Microsoft is isolating.
7. Office Politics
Because Microsoft is such a large company with so many workers, there is a greater instance of office politics to endure.
Each sector or department can have noticeable politics to endure and navigate while employed there.
It can be challenging to distance oneself from specific topics, discussions, and favoritism.
Distancing from others and popular viewpoints can isolate individuals and make working with their peers even more challenging.
Anyone hoping to work in the company should be prepared for some level of office politics to circumnavigate and handle daily.
Those who feel the pressure may not do well in that company’s office environment.
13 Pros and Cons of Working for Microsoft – Summary Table
| Pros of Working for Microsoft | Cons of Working for Microsoft |
|---|---|
| 1. Health Benefits and Financial Planning | 1. Competition for Advancement |
| 2. 40-Hour Work Week | 2. Isolation |
| 3. Updated Tools and Resources | 3. Promoting Within |
| 4. Stability | 4. Not Much Variation |
| 5. Resume Booster | 5. Performance Reviews |
| 6. Holiday and Vacation Time | 6. Lack of Communication |
| 7. Office Politics |
Should You Become a Microsoft Employee?
There are several factors to consider before applying to work for Microsoft.
First, be prepared to have stiff competition for jobs at the entry level.
After that, you will also have to compete for higher positions with others working within the company.
There are many when it comes to the benefits and perks of the job.
However, those who expect to advance to a higher level may be disappointed if they are overlooked or stagnate.
Some jobs can be isolating and reparative depending on the position.
The ideal employee for Microsoft would be someone who is self-motivated and who can follow instructions and work on similar projects consistently.
They would also be able to handle various personality types and office politics in their daily work environment.
Performance reviews will not always clearly reflect an individual’s strengths and weaknesses on the job and may not offer an avenue for advancement.
However, Microsoft is an inclusive company that believes in hiring from all cultures and backgrounds.
Microsoft offers a chance to gain stability and a higher than average salary for open positions.
It might not be the company an employee plans to stay at for their entire career, but it is an excellent addition to a resume and offers plenty of training and experience.
It’s an amazing company! Microsoft’s global reach means you’ll have the chance to work on projects that impact people worldwide. The sense of contributing to solutions for global challenges is fulfilling.
They also provide competitive compensation packages, including salaries, bonuses, and stock options. This financial stability and job security are attractive for many professionals.
I am currently working there as an IT specialist. The company’s culture of diversity and inclusion fosters a welcoming and collaborative work environment. They also prioritize a variety in hiring and creating a sense of belonging for all employees.