Pros
Team members are generally nice and friendly.
Cons
I can only speak from the perspective of back-office functions. Engineers generally appear more satisfied, likely because they are largely shielded from internal dysfunction and work directly with external clients rather than within the core organizational structure. From my experience, Ciklum has one of the most toxic and dysfunctional cultures I have encountered. The company publicly promotes values that are largely performative and not reflected in actual leadership behavior. Decision-making is driven by rigid hierarchy, control, and an outdated, authoritarian management style that feels more aligned with old Eastern corporate culture than with a modern, international organization. Person leading an employer branding initiatives lacks strategic thinking, global awareness, and credibility. There is a clear disconnect between what is communicated externally and what employees experience internally, suggesting that employer branding is treated more as surface-level marketing than a serious cultural responsibility. Internal communication is poor and, at times, deliberately opaque. Gossip, misinformation, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering are common, while transparency and accountability are actively discouraged. The fact that meetings cannot be recorded further reinforces a culture where leadership avoids documentation and responsibility for decisions. Career growth opportunities are limited at best. While the company promotes development, leadership positions are effectively locked in place, with little to no upward mobility. Overall, this environment may work for those who are comfortable with rigid hierarchies and political dynamics, but it falls far short of international standards and is deeply misaligned with modern, people-centered workplace practices.
