1) SSM Infotech Parking: A Daily Dose of Frustration
Finding a parking spot is a major hassle at SSM Infotech. There just aren't enough spaces for everyone. You might have to park on the street, which means risking damage to your car and the company won't be responsible.
If you snag one early, leaving can be a nightmare. The space is so crammed, you might be stuck waiting for others to move their vehicles before you can escape.
Even worse, some managers get special parking privileges. This includes the MD's son who parks a fancy second hand car as well as Finance Director, taking up valuable space. It feels unfair and creates a tense work environment.
Even the MD himself has a reserved spot, leaving even fewer options for everyone else. It's a system that reeks of unfairness.
If easy parking and a fair company culture are important to you, this might not be the best place to work.
2)"Show Up or Pay Up": Unfair Attendance Policy Demoralizes Staff at SSM Infotech
Brutal Attendance Policy at SSM Infotech
Beware! SSM enforces a strict 9 am arrival policy. Be one minute late, and it costs you a day's pay! Even worse, you're expected to work 9.30 hours regardless of workload. This rigid policy feels exploitative and disregards the realities of life.
To add insult to injury, HR and ERP head girl(which is on contract bases) seems to have figured out ways to exploit loopholes in the system. It's unfair and demoralizing when the department responsible for employee well-being appears to be manipulating the very rules they enforce.
3)Irony at Infotech: Digital Product, Analog Practices at SSM
Outdated Systems and Wasted Time at SSM Infotech
SSM boasts a product called "Digital eLogbook" which seems ironic considering their internal practices. Despite having a punch-in machine, they maintain a physical logbook to track who arrives after 9:00 AM. This redundancy is not only pointless but also embarrassing.
Here's why it matters: Once, I arrived 15 minutes late (at 9:15 AM) and faced a customer visiting for Reliance Industries. They questioned the need for a physical logbook entry after using the punch machine. It felt like a mockery of their own digital product and a waste of everyone's time.
This incident highlights a company stuck in outdated practices, potentially leading to inefficiency and unnecessary hassle for employees.
4)The office at SSM is far from ideal. Cleanliness is a major concern, forcing employees to clean their own desks each morning. Worse, the furniture is inadequate. Desks are old and damaged, and chairs are uncomfortable, often broken and lacking proper back support. Despite complaints submitted in the system, repairs are rarely addressed. Working in such an environment for two years has resulted in back pain, a clear consequence of the company's neglect.
5)Be Prepared for Pungent Problems at SSM Infotech
Beware – the first and second floors at SSM have a serious odor issue. This is due to a lack of proper cleaning and maintenance in the restrooms. Unfortunately, the discomfort doesn't affect everyone. The management team occupies the third floor, and their restrooms are apparently a haven of fresh air. This inconsistency speaks volumes about the company's priorities.
6)Uncomfortable Facilities: The shared male and female restrooms create an awkward environment, especially for women. The added issue of unpleasant odors makes the situation even worse.
If a comfortable work environment with basic amenities is important to you, this might not be the best place to work.
7)This water filling system is a total drag! Especially for ladies.
The water often runs low at peak times, which means lugging a giant 20L jug (yikes!) to the machine just to refill. It's awkward and frankly, shouldn't be necessary.
And to make matters worse, even after complaining, management hasn't budged. Not cool!
They need to fix this ASAP. Maybe get some smaller, easier-to-handle jugs, or keep the tanks filled more regularly. Until then, it's a frustrating water refill experience.
8)Unacceptable Break Room Conditions
The break room situation at this company is seriously lacking. Here's why:
Unhygienic: There's no proper cafeteria, just a dirty dome on the roof. This is unacceptable for a place where employees eat.
Unsanitary: Tables aren't cleaned regularly, leaving a messy and unhygienic environment.
No Amenities: There are no microwaves to heat up food, a major inconvenience for employees, especially those who commute long distances.
Missing Essentials: Even the small fridge that existed got taken away to MD's son cabin, further limiting options.
Overall, the company fails to provide basic necessities for employee breaks. This needs to be addressed urgently.
9)Unfair Pay at SSM (Be Careful!)
This is a review for people considering a job at SSM.
The big problem: I noticed new employees are getting paid much less than others doing the same job. In my case, I was a Graduate Trainee Engineer making only 12K in hand, while someone else with no experience and connections to management was getting 25K!
Not worth it unless you're desperate: This kind of pay difference is unfair and disrespectful. There are better opportunities out there that value your skills and hard work. I would only recommend this company if you absolutely need a job right away.
My biggest regret: If I could go back in time, I would have chosen a different job, even something like a roadside stall. At least my pay would be based on my effort.
Not everyone suffers: Sadly, some people get away with low effort at this company because they are good at flattering the managers. This creates a bad work environment for everyone else.
Final word: Be aware of the pay situation at SSM before you apply. There are better places to work where you'll be valued and compensated fairly.
10)Disappointing Onboarding Experience
This company lacks a welcoming atmosphere for new hires. There's no formal introduction, welcome gift, or even basic onboarding activities.
The HR department seems inefficient and unhelpful. They don't appear to have a strong grasp of company policies and come across as unprofessional.
Furthermore, the company culture appears to be devoid of any team-building or morale-boosting activities.
11)There's a concern regarding the clarity of communication when new policies are introduced. Sometimes, the explanations seem rushed, making it difficult for employees to fully understand the details.
It would be helpful if the HR head could slow down and use clear language when presenting new policies. This would allow everyone a chance to ask questions and ensure complete comprehension.
Additionally, when employees ask genuine questions about the policies, a simple "get back to you" response can be frustrating. It would be appreciated if the HR head could establish a clear process for following up on unanswered questions
12)Caution: Project Management Woes
This company seems to lack strong project management. While Mr. Kamlakar Sawant, the Head of Operations, is a great asset(He is a very good guy) (knowledgeable, genuine, and interesting!), there's a concern:
Certification Gap: Only 2% of project managers hold the PMP certification, a respected industry standard. This suggests a potential lack of formal project management training.
Project Handling Issues: Some project managers might struggle due to a lack of experience or common sense, leading to them being reprimanded.
If you're looking for a company with a strong project management structure, this might not be the ideal fit.
13)Reliance Review: Consider Working Directly
This review is for those considering working for Reliance through a SSM. Here's the lowdown:
Hidden Fees: The SSM takes a cut (around 18%) from your salary without upfront disclosure and won't tell you ever.
Lower Pay: Reliance itself offers salaries in the 42-48k range. By going through the SSM, your pay gets docked by their commission.
Recommendation:
Skip the SSM and apply directly to Reliance. You'll get the full advertised salary
14)Disappointing Management at SSM
While SSM offers IT services, their management falls short. Expect to work half days on Saturdays, something unheard of in most well-run IT companies. This unnecessary burden on employees suggests a lack of respect for work-life balance and potentially poor planning on management's part.
Consider this a warning sign if you're looking for a company that prioritizes both its employees and their well-being.
15)FAE Review: Not for the Faint of Heart
This is a tough job for the money. As an FAE, forget about getting your expense reimbursements on time. Travel can be a nightmare - the company cuts corners and doesn't book decent travel arrangements. And for women, this role can be especially challenging.
In short, look elsewhere unless you're okay with these hassles.
16)Warning: Please Don't Use of Xstudio
While the company uses an internally developed tool called Xstudio, it's important to be aware of its limitations. Xstudio may not be widely adopted in the industry, which could limit its usefulness on your resume in the long run.
Focus on Transferable Skills
When considering this role, prioritize developing skills that are valuable across the industry. This way, your experience won't be tied solely to Xstudio.
17)Compensation: Raises are minimal (think peanuts).
Performance Reviews: The company conducts reviews, but they seem pre-determined. It feels more like a formality than an actual chance to discuss your contributions and growth.
18)Disappointed by Diwali Decoration Policy
Last year's Diwali decoration plan was a turnoff. In an effort to save money, the company asked departments to use waste materials. While cost-cutting is understandable, Diwali is a celebration of prosperity and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Decorating with trash undermines the spirit of the festival.
A festive atmosphere is important for employee morale. Hopefully, next year, they can celebrate Diwali with decorations that reflect the importance of the occasion.
I mean grow the F Up !!!
19)Disappointed with Hiring Practices
While the company may advertise for specific skills, my experience suggests they prioritize cost-cutting over finding the right fit. Even if you possess the necessary qualifications, the position might not be filled to save money.
Consider this a heads up for potential applicants.
20)This company - SSM is disappointing. The equipment is frustrating to work with. The keyboards and mouse malfunction sometimes, and the monitor quality is terrible. It makes it hard to get anything done.
21)Disappointed with the new Learning and Development Center
The recently launched Learning and Development Center (LDC) had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, it hasn't met expectations. The trainers seem to lack in-depth knowledge, with frequent instances where employees ended up explaining processes to them.
Furthermore, the referral program for the LDC is underwhelming. Offering only Rs. 500 for a referral is simply not an incentive. It's a small amount that wouldn't even cover basic needs.
Overall, the LDC needs significant improvement in trainer expertise and a more attractive referral program to be truly effective
22)Development Team (2nd Floor):
Strengths: There are a few talented and professional developers on the team.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately, the overall team communication could be improved. I encountered some unprofessional behavior, particularly from a team member named Paras.
Specific Concerns:
Unprofessional Communication: Some team members, including Paras, displayed a lack of respect in their interactions. This made collaboration difficult.
