ikaSystems review: exploitation 58

I THINK THIS RANT IS COMING FROM INEFFICIENT PEOPLE WHO ARE USED TO LAZY WORKING OF BIG SERVICE COMPANIES.

I HAVE BEEN AT THE COMPANY FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND I FEEL YOU CAN FINISH YOUR WORK AND DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. I WORK 10-6:30/7:00 MAX. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SPEND HALF DAY IN COFFEE AND LUNCH AND END UP STAYING LATE.

ON THE OTHER SIDE, I FEEL ITS A GOOD PLACE TO LEARN AND ITS LIKE A BIG FAMILY. ITS FAST GROWING COMPANY IN COMPETITIVE MARKET AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO PUT EXTRA EFFORT. AS THE COMPANY IS GROWING THINGS ARE BECOMING MORE COMFORTABLE AND NEW PEOPLE ARE COMING IN ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY.

I think this is unfortunate that we have an employee who feels this way. I have been with ikaSystems for over 2 years. I have worked for many companies and have had nothing but a wonderful experience here.

The management team is the most thoughtful and family orientated organization I have ever worked for. They not only embrace the employee but also the customer. Granted we work hard to achieve our success on all fronts. ikaSystems is successful because of all the hard work and dedication we give. Our employees are proud our clients are even prouder. They actually speak in our behalf at trade shows and other types of meetings. Our competition cannot hold a candle to our product and client base. It is because of the management and employees of ikaSystems that make this possible.

Employees like this are toxic to the organization. Hopefully this person no longer works for us. If they do they need to be spoken to and dealt with as this kind of attitude and behaviour is unacceptable as the complaint is not truthful and it only hurts the individuals who care and work hard for the success of our company.

Who ever wrote this comment should be ashamed for this and hopefully if you are still with ikaSystems you will consider working for another company and not poison us with this inaccurate portrayal and depiction of ikaSystems. You need a reality check.

In this job market you will not find another company as good as this; having this much success and job security. I challenge you to find another company as good as ikaSystems. I guarantee you will find it difficult, if not impossible. You should consider yourself lucky to be here and like I said earlier be ashamed for making these false accusations towards the hand that feeds you. SHAME ON YOU !

If the user jaa is toxic to you then you must be one of those MANAGERS who require the 18 hr work days. You must not also be one of the MANY H1B visa employees -- because those are the ones who are being exploited. They don't complain out of fear of being sent back to India. Make no mistake, there ARE people being forced to work 7 days a week, 12-18 hrs a day.

In the job market you will not find a WORST company to work for. I have not been at a company with so many people wanting so desperately to get out due to the VERY poor work conditions. Either the people who posted those 'positive' comments about ikaSystems are managers or you have been given some sort of 'special' treatment by upper management. Which would also not be surprising I bet you are related to the CEO -- not so shocking either since nepotism is the norm there. Rarely are people hired there for competence. Mostly it depends on who they are related to in the company.

I find the positive comments here to be infuriating and irresponsible. It's only a matter of time before ikaSystems goes down the drain because of a labor lawsuit. I guarantee it. For any lawyers out there... there's easy cash to be made... no HR department! No compliance with labor laws!

IkaSystems a few words -

Most of our employees are either Ravi's Relative or his ex college mate or he worked with them before, all others are slaves, has to work minimum 14 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The only reason we do not leave our company is because green card is being processed or most of you are simply industry rejects and can't get any job and you are ready to sit 24/7 in office to keep your job.

Work culture is simply third world. Very bad exploitation and it has to be investigated.

-- Managers, stop replying to this message by trasing me and feeding your lies, IkaSystems accounts should be audited and investigated by interviewing every employee, then the real truth will come out.

Please do not think that I want to see IkaSystems go down, I simply want you to stop exploiting us, you do not need to worry if I my stements are lies.

can anyone shed light on the employee treatment off late at Ika Systems? I'm guessing the management has shifted gears in their policies and procedures. Any comments?...

Worst company, Worst workng envronment, they treat you as slaves, u have to work 24*7, forget ur familes, they have the worst managers. They dont have any management sklls, no planning, no documentation, Seriously recommend not to take an offer from this company.

I heard that 51% of its stake is taken over by an Americam company, Thank God, good for the remaning slaves there.

PS : For instance about treatment, I was once asked by a manager to always stay in the office until 3 am, also get my
toiletries. I was afraid if he is gonna also ask one day to get my family there.

Big NO0000000000000000 for this company.

I Agree it's a very pathetic place to work

Thank god I came out. Hope it gets better for the rest of the salves still living there praying for their GC.

The company is growing at a steady pace, it is expanding and gaining confidence of Health Plans in its products. It is an exciting place to be working at. It is far from best places to work for, but it is heading in the right direction.

There is a job listing at this company. Wonder how the company culture is?

This company is the most pathetic place to work.
There are bunch of Directors who is paid more than they deserve and they take it upon themselves to make the employees life as horrible as they can.
There are a whole bunch of industrial rejects who are working in this company and have praises for this place. they are not good enough to find a job anywhere
There are bunch of Green Card asspirants who would do anything to stay here. Work 18 hours.
In all its a very pathetic place to work if you want humiliate yourself and watch your career go down the drain.Please accept the job offer.

IKASYSTEMS – My experience working at Southborough!

2005 – 2009 :
Top executives of most smaller organizations like ikaSystems want their companies to be different from the larger corporations. They want their organizations smaller in size; but bigger in productivity by eliminating red tapes and combined organizational structure, procedures, protocols and set of regulations in place to manage activity. When the company is smaller, people often work like bees – taking on new business and technology challenges without thinking about any procedures and guidelines. People also tend to wear many hats to accomplish tasks quickly in order to integrate new businesses. For example, software developers in smaller organizations may take on responsibilities of client interactions, requirements gathering, design and development, code deployment, production support, network infrastructure support, database design and maintenance along with countless other duties. In addition, systems in smaller organizations tend to be loosely guarded. So, people often don't follow many procedures in order to setup environments and implement technical projects. It's not uncommon to change code and deploy without anyone realizing. Similarly, business requirements may also get defined in an informal manner without any type of documentation from both client and company.

2009-till date
As the company grows by itself or by merging, everything starts to change significantly impacting people and the overall business process. Suddenly, following procedures become extremely important and become tough. Consequently, new roles, guidelines and procedures start to emerge. Everything from business process to technology implementation start to become more and more process oriented. Organizations start to define and document steps, invent procedure to track process and systems level changes, and start restricting access to various systems for security reasons. At the same time, as a growing company start doing businesses with larger clienteles, they are automatically forced to abide (await) by all sorts of industry compliance laws.

My personal opinion :
Moreover, growing companies tend to recruit experienced individuals to fill new roles (by neglecting the people already had worked like bees for years for the company given no preference to grow in ranks) by thinking experienced individuals coming into the organization usually bring their expertise from larger and more process defined organizations will change the growing company.
Despite the best efforts from the people who worked hard, top executives - it seems increased number of procedures and guidelines as well as new recruits automatically to contribute to the evolution of growing company. Maybe, this is an inevitable side effect of a growing organization. But is it a sustainable approach?

The organization is growing and changing rapidly --- that being said, there ARE many issues.

In a word: the development culture is REACTIVE, not PROACTIVE. Possibly because of the rapid growth, limited acclimation of new hires, inexperienced managers, unrealistic promises to clients, possessiveness and mistrust among employees, long time employees unwillingness to share information, sensitivity and resentment of new, experienced talent etc. Long story short: the place is changing and there are growing pains. Long hours would not be so bad if there was proper planning and trust/respect - unfortunately, there is no defined SDLC process or documentation (everything is done on the fly), no consistency, poor corporate and team communication, nepotism, cut corners, rushed decisions, and personal issues between management on all levels causing much frustration among team members. And yes, there are people scared of losing their visas/GC so they don't speak up.

If you're considering a position at Ika: Watch the movie 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' and understand you're entering a competitive environment with some heavy baggage -- but it just might pay-off if you're willing to stick it out for the long run. I suspect a major re-org will take place sooner than later because the current situation is unsustainable.

"90 hours a week and loving it!"

Meowow is right! A new person came here very short time ago. Very smart, knew what to do. What happened? Not here anymore...happens alot lately...work way too much...family never see me...stay away...

ikaSystems has changed a lot from what it was 1 year back. The work culture has been very good. Before we used to work extended hours (for lot of new clients) but those days are gone now. New HR has done drastic changes and employees are much happier than before. Since company is growing very fast, getting more clients sometimes we might need to work extended hours now also. That should not be big deal. After all it's our own organization. In my team we always work as per client req, do necessay documentation etc. Please stop finding flaws all the time, concentrate in your work. If you are not satisfied working in here why are you here, just leave and find some other job. Don't spoil the environment. Yes, we care for GC ... who else does not?

Scorpio2011 is a boot licking toady. This is one of the worst companies to work for.

Ika systems is a worst place to work for. Managers have absolutely no management skills nor have leadership skills. They have very poor communication skills as well. It is so non-professional place to work. Managers lie, purposely give incorrect information to team.
These managers are either related or ex-college mate of. These managers are highly paid. These managers totally misuse as well. They employee their own family (wife, sister etc..) who has absolutely no IT skills and pay them high. Others are less paid and made to work for over 15 hrs a day.

not good company . no apprisals

Ikasystems is the most pathetic company I have worked for so far..Managers have no leadership skills..

I agree with the complaints. Very unprofessional and unethical work place I have see so far. I know people care about GC but nothing comes first before our personal life. You will get sooner or later if you file the GC with other companies too. But you won't get the life & good moments back. It is just a misconception that Ikasystems is the only way in the world to get the Greencard. People who need life just stay away with it. If you are confident enough better look for another job.

I seen some positive comments like people saying Ikasystems is a Big family or employees are treated like Ikafamily or the management treat employees like you are a family member blah blah... that is all bulls**t. If they really care about you then they won't ask you to work for 12-18hrs, 7 days a week leaving your own family and children in vain and depressing. Do you think they will let you go all this emotional distress in the personal life if you are their family member. NO WAYYYYY.. They use all the tactics (ika family) to just make you work like slaves and work for them day and night. Always hardworking people get injustice in the work environment if you are not related to any of the management. Half of work force are filled with relatives (most of them are inefficient employees (Zero talent), got the job just they are wife, brother or sister of the management or manager). No value for talent. No life for employees. Stay away with the company unless you think you are not competitive else where or unable to get the job elsewhere.

Cannot agree more with gcslaves. One of the above managers mentioned by IkaDesi has his sister/wife/etc etc employed at Ika while Mr.Ika has all his zero-talent friends working for him at Ika.

Well, I've been working in the software department at IkaSystems for about 6 months now, and I see both sides. On one hand, yes, things are very disorganized, there's very little documentation, a lack of structure throughout, and some managers do seem a bit unorthodox and sometimes unprofessional. But on the other hand, this is often true of smaller companies, and ikaSystems has been growing so fast that it seems to be struggling to catch up. They have a product which seems to be in demand; what they need is some good people to come in and help grow the company into a first rate organization. There certainly is lots of potential here.

stupid place

/name removed/ is literally torturing his team I heard... No wonder we hear complaints about him all the time. He is forcing his team to get certifications, publish white papers, and conduct some seminars to get a 2% increase in pay.. LOl... Who is the idiot who is approving all this anyway.. People would get college degrees if they did the same in a colege. This would give them wat, a 100 bucks extra?

So what papers did /name removed/ publish to become a director? He becomes a director only with experience and noo valid degree or certification. He did not even take an any examinations and pass to become a director.

Why are BAs from other teams not reporting to him! Good for them though. He is a loser.he is obviously licking sashis b**** to get a promotion or something. The senior management should ask him to get certifications, publish wonderful white papers, and take internal examinations with 100% pass mark. ... Poor ika employees!

Those of you writing here should complain, but not abuse!
There is a HR department, where you can take your concerns - it would be more effective in correcting the people or processes at this company if reported to HR.
Venting your frustration on the complaints board will not go too far. These are all opinions, limited to the individuals posting them.

I was about to go for an interview, but after reading this Complaint Board, I've reconsidered. Yikes!

We agree that we had problems. We are trying hard to correct them. Please bear with us as we ramp up hiring and teach intermediate managers how to manage knowledge workers like software developers.

Like AppleBlossom, I was about to go for an interview, but I've also reconsidered. Never seen such horrible company reviews!

Thank you posters, I was slated for an interview and just declined.

Thanks ! I was also planing for an Interview with IKA systems.. Yes H1 and GC is the main thing which was told that will be done... with all the above comments... ummmmm absolutely NO
So many people cannot be wrong...Clearly, only 1 or 2 comments were good in the start.. which seems directly from a manager.
Where do you guys think can this kind of company be reported in a official manner?

I was surprised that any firm had so many complaints against it. I did decide however to 'give them a chance' and take an interview. I initially was surprised as 1/2 the staff seemed to be US citizens born in New England, but that is where the 'good first impression' ended. I am sure they are successful in their niche (it would be hard not to be given the fact employees seem to work above the standard 40 hr week), but what I found is they have no idea of what they need. There comes a time as a technician that you know what works and what does not. They seem to have a specific problem they needed solved and they are focused on finding someone who can fix it, not a way to hire a full-time employee (what is the person going to do the second week of employment?). In general I am sure I could have done things to increase productivity and lower the number of hours worked, but the management would have to want that outcome. In general although there is a lot that could be done to assist them, I think they want to continue as is and mistreat employees. God they need help, but they won't be getting it from me.

Hello anyone offlate attended interview there? How are things now? did they improve? is this a scam company or a legitimate one, someone working there please reply

There is a sincere effort to a good work culture. This is a legitimate organization with dedicated to improving itself in all aspects.

Hello,
Do yourself a favor and interview with some other company. These people dont know what is professionalism. they dont know that there is even such a thing as work place decency. Now I can imagine now Nazi Germany would have been. I read somewhere that people in Nazi Germany always felt watched even when they were not. Such was the fear that Hitler cultivated within people. Ika employees are no different (although, there certainly are some good ppl . but most of them are leaving the sinking ship!) Finally, I would like to point out Frederick Douglas's quote "Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will flourish”
I so wish that department of Labor investigate this company!

Things have not improved even with the new hr dept. Many people leave due to frustration or are forced out by sasidhar parv. if he doesn't like them. The new boss alok was supposed to fix things but is afraid of sasidhar as well. All workers want to know why he continues as a bigger boss.

ikaSystems treats their employees like appliances. They plug them in and use them as much as they need, and then throw them in a drawer until they need them again. There is no recognition for hard work, and when people go above and beyond the call of duty, they are never thanked or appreciated. I would strongly suggest looking for another opportunity. The management is extremely racist toward anyone not from India. They also favor indians dependent on them to get citizenship, so that they can exploit their position of power and work them 70+ hours per week. There is no business integrity or personal integrity in management, they lie, and encourage others to lie to customers to make the company look better. I would not be surprised if they went out of business very soon.

Yes I thoroughly agree with the comment above. People in all client facing roles are encouraged to lie through their teeth and be comfortable with it. Of course if anyone is to question the way in which business is done- they are ignored and shunned. The management always says they are working on something, that processes WILL be established. When is that going to happen? When it's all too late, perhaps.

I have NEVER worked at a company where the wife and sister report to a (s0 called) executive and take that for granted. Why can't they report to anyone else? How can you say reviews are not biased? Can the HR stand up and respond to this please? Who in this company has any real decision making authority?WHY don't we ever hear from you on policies? Employees have no insight into anything. WHY isn't there any LEADERSHIP? We're not talking management here. Leadership and Management are distinct. Half the people working here are so unmotivated to do anything, they're happy to draw a pay-check as long as they can; and the other half go about running in circles and fall flat after a while.
Why will your clients be happy if you keep missing deadlines? How will you sustain your business if your client satisfaction is zero or negative?
My guess is as good as anyone elses'. Perhaps the people in the executive branch are just waiting to cash out or something.

And it is true that this company favors Indians, and no one else CAN or WILL survive. Also, another comment is that there are NO women in the executive ranks- they don't make it obvious though. After spending years, this experience will make you bitter. Advice-Please move on.

The Complains made over here were in the past. Everything is been changed. There are are meetings scheduled with managers where employee can share thier corcerns with /name removed/. If they are not comfortable, ravi has opened up his doors and is listen to everything.

I was one of the guys who complained. I feel so much better now. Guys, open up. Suggest and make changes. The company is changing. It has more ears.

/name removed/Listens, HR Listens and so does /name removed/. Its getting Better.

/name removed/ the other day asked us not to work after 6.00. Hope this helps.

This is greet company. We work on time, strive for competition. We work in flexy hours. There is no racism or whatever that means. If you are looking for lot of learning and most challenging atmosphere. Please come and work for us.

-VB

PS: Whoever tells me name of person writing rubbish about me or this company, will get next 2 weekends off.