Member-only story

It’s time for the tech industry to live up to its ideals

Beyond the facade of free food, massages, and dry cleaning.

Chelsey Louise Glasson
UX Collective
Layoffs are illustrated by an oversized pair of scissors, that looms over seven workers sitting in office chairs suspended by strings. Employees use their laptop computers and mobile devices, but some of their jobs could be cut at any time, as they are shown hanging by a thread. Their jobs are on the line. Conceptual illustration uses a flat, limited color palette over a dark blue background, presented in isometric view on a 16x9 artboard.
Image credit: iStock.com/mathisworks

It’s no secret that the tech industry prides itself on its altruism. You’ve probably heard Google’s former informal motto, “Don’t be evil,” but it is far from unique: most tech companies have lofty ideals baked into their mission statements, their marketing campaigns, and even their very brands.

When I started working in the tech industry over a decade ago, I was as susceptible to this messaging as the next person. The never-ending communications about how my company was transforming the world for the better were appealing. It didn’t occur to me then that the constant drip of these messages was a highly effective way to get me to drink the Kool-Aid so that I would become a loyal, diligent employee.

It wasn’t just the unceasing communications that had this impact, either. The high salary and novel benefits all played a part. I quickly and naively bought into the idea that my employers were more ethical than employers in other industries.

Despite their seemingly noble intentions, it turns out that some tech companies are not the altruistic panacea they so proudly claim to be.

Create an account to read the full story.

The author made this story available to Medium members only.
If you’re new to Medium, create a new account to read this story on us.

Or, continue in mobile web

Already have an account? Sign in

Responses (16)

What are your thoughts?