Disappointing Experience at Adyen: Lack of Middle Management Effectiveness - Software Developer Adyen Employee Review

1.0
Mar 13, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Free lunch * Pretty cool colleagues * Friday Beers

Cons

I had high expectations when I joined Adyen, hearing it was one of the most amazing companies to work for. However, my experience turned out to be a disappointment. While I admire the C-Level executives for their motivation, my interaction with middle management was nothing short of frustrating. At Adyen, there seems to be an emphasis on visibility rather than the actual value an employee brings to the table. Despite the inspiring leadership at the top, the middle management tier appears ineffective. It feels as though there's a significant gap between the frontline workers and those in managerial positions. If the C-Level executives were more aware of the realities on the ground, I believe a significant portion of middle management would be replaced. One of the most disheartening aspects is the promotion process, which seems to be driven solely by politics rather than merit. As an engineer, it's particularly challenging as your manager often takes credit for the work you've done. This creates a toxic environment where ambition is stifled, and individual contributions are undervalued. Overall, Adyen may not be the best fit for individuals with high ambitions. The company culture can be demoralizing, gradually breaking down employees until they feel like mere shells of their former selves. If you're looking for a workplace where your efforts are truly recognized and rewarded based on merit, Adyen may not be the ideal choice.

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5.0
Jan 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Food in the office, annual trips, can't complain about the pay

Cons

Limited upward mobility, peers in the industry (Stripe) pay about 50% more

2
3.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

no layoffs yet, nice people, good team

Cons

reorg, acquisitions (layoffs incoming?). product managers not great, turnover

1
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