Toxic leadership - Anonymous employee Navan Employee Review

1.0
15 May 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Colleagues, who bond over fear. Office is nice and well located.

Cons

Senior management lacks strategic vision and often makes major departmental decisions without consulting teams or informing them in advance. Communication is top-down, abrupt, and fear-driven. Leadership frequently uses pressure and intimidation tactics in public channels, creating a culture of fear rather than motivation. Recently, the company mandated layoffs of 5% across all departments, regardless of individual or team performance, leaving already understaffed teams in worse shape. Merit and quality of work are not considered — decisions are often retaliatory or based on personal preference. Employee benefits have been removed retroactively, including those that were key factors in accepting offers and leaving previous jobs. Promises made during hiring are not upheld, and trust is routinely broken. Talented and respectful managers are undervalued, while those who micromanage or mistreat their teams are more likely to be rewarded. In several cases, high-performing departments were dissolved entirely and replaced with less experienced teams doing similar work at lower quality levels. Salary distribution lacks transparency and fairness. Compensation does not reflect responsibility or output but instead seems influenced by personal relationships or favoritism. Cross-team communication is minimal. Internal documentation is inconsistent, outdated, or incomplete, making even basic processes confusing and inefficient. There is little support for employees dealing with health or family-related matters, including maternity and medical leave. Overall, this is a deeply unstable and demotivating workplace, where reliability, respect, and ethical leadership are sorely lacking. I wouldn't recommend it to an enemy, let alone to a friend.

Explore other reviews about Navan

5.0
28 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of opportunity for advancement, pay compensation, mentor opportunities, great work environment, diversity and equality.

Cons

notice of sick time usage for it to count as Excused Absence, the ability to trade shifts as all U.S. based workers work Monday thru Friday with the earliest shist starting at 8 am and the latest starting at 12 pm CST

5.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fast paced, plenty of room and opportunity to grow. Very good starting pay and ability to earn bonuses. Many remote work options. Strong culture and supportive leadership, with fun company events (like the Christmas party) that help people feel connected, even for the many remote employees.

Cons

The pre‑hire assessment is very strict and pass/fail. I’ve referred strong, experienced candidates who I know are good workers, but they did not pass the test and were not given the opportunity to move forward. It feels like the process may screen out some high‑potential talent who could otherwise thrive here.

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