MeisterLabs 

Software 

GmbH

Bewertungen

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Within weeks of joining, I could see how demotivated and visibly afraid the team was around our manager. He routinely smoked, swore, and made inappropriate comments in front of other teams. You were either his favorite or treated like dirt - no middle ground, no proper instruction, no constructive feedback. He would also pit team members against each other in private.

I eventually raised my concerns with senior leadership and was promised a transfer to another team. A week later, I was abruptly fired and told to drop off my laptop and leave - despite my legal right to stay in the country being tied to that job. The manager in question was himself let go not long after.
This company likes to present itself as a warm, inclusive workplace, and that holds while things are calm. But when investor pressure builds, entire teams - Marketing especially - get cut.

Verbesserungsvorschläge

If your default response to investor pressure is to cut entire teams, stop pretending the culture is people-first. The people you cut were the ones building the thing. The gap between your stated values and how you behave when things get tight is the actual culture

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Demotivated and afraid of our manager

Image

The company presents itself as "working beautifully together" while firing people out of nowhere

Work-Life-Balance

Remote work, home office options

Gehalt/Benefits

Entry level salary

Kollegenzusammenhalt

None whatsoever

Vorgesetztenverhalten

Inappropriate comments, swearing in front of other teams and colleagues, pitting team members against each other

Kommunikation

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Die Work-Life Balance, Büroausstattung und Wellbeing-Programme sind top.

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

- Permanente Strategische Neuausrichtungen
- Enorm hohe Fluktation durch Layoffs und Kündigungen
- Unerfahrene Führungskräfte, die keine Verantwortung übernehmen und Entscheidungen scheuen.
- Ehrliche Arbeit und konstruktive Verbesserungsvorschläge werden nicht geschätzt

Am problematischsten ist allerdings, dass auf der Direktoren-Ebene ein kleiner Kreis befreundeter Personen sich gegenseitig schützt und Positionen untereinander verteilt. Es ist ein geschlossener Kreis, der keinerlei Kritik annimmt, immun gegen Vorschläge aus den Teams ist und penibel darauf achtet die Kommunikation zu kontrollieren.

Verbesserungsvorschläge

Es braucht einen kompletten Neunanfang - aus strategischer, personeller als auch psychologischer Sicht. Die Firma ist blutleer, die Mitarbeiter komplett frustriert und das Leadership-Team versteckt sich hinter inhaltslosen Phrasen und geschönten KPIs.

Es wurde bereits erkannt, dass es keinen SInn hat planlos auf den AI-Train aufzuspringen (was Prio 1 für 2 Quartale war ), allerdings wird es auch keinen Erfolg bringen mit den gleichen Führungskräften und dem Gründerteam "Altes wieder aufzuwärmen".

Es braucht einen kompletten Neustart auf der Führungsebene - ansonsten wird sich die Belegschaft nicht mehr motivieren lassen.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Die ständigen strategischen Kurswechsel, Layoffs und Team-Umstrukturierungen haben ein Atmosphäre der Angst und Motivationslosigkeit geschaffen. Wenige Mitarbeitende versuchen den Spirit hochzuhalten aber die breite Belegschaft hat aufgegeben.

Work-Life-Balance

100% Remote, wenige Meetings und flexible Arbeitszeiten ermöglichen eine extrem gute Work-Life-Balance

Arbeitsbedingungen

Top ausgestattes Büro, Home-Office Budget, Kostenloses Frühstück & Snack. Allerdings ist quasi niemand im Büro.

Kommunikation

Interessante Aufgaben

Keinerlei Möglichkeiten zur Karriereentwicklung. Stellen werden gestrichen, Teams zusammengezogen und die Gesamtaussciht für das Unternehmen sieht sehr düster aus.

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Quality and comptenet operational staff

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Leadership, People and culture policy and Product strategy

Verbesserungsvorschläge

Immediate removal of the current leadership team-starting with Ceo,VP of HR, Engineering, Product and Marketing VPs. This group has shown zero accountability, zero strategic foresight, and absolutely no sense of responsibility for the chaos they’ve created.
A CEO who claims to “take full responsibility” and then proceeds to fire 36 people overnight — cutting their accounts without dignity or explanation on a 7 minute monologue call— is not a leader, but a coward hiding behind empty words.
Here’s a tip: before throwing loyal employees under the bus, start by slashing your own bloated oversized salaries. That’s where real responsibility begins — not in sacrificing the people who actually do the work.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Depending on team

Image

More important outside image than inside feedback

Karriere/Weiterbildung

People and culture team is working on layoffs rather than on people development. One of the worst i have ever experienced

Kollegenzusammenhalt

One of the positives

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

None

Vorgesetztenverhalten

Incompetent team leads. Either they are friends with C- Level or aggressive and loud. Never really understood their roles except of transmitting messages from level above.

Kommunikation

Gehalt/Benefits

Could be better

Gleichberechtigung

Double standards in the company

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

In the earlier years, there was a strong culture of ownership and autonomy. I appreciated the opportunity to implement modern tools and practices.

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

The company suffers from a lack of strong leadership and long-term strategic vision. Decisions often feel reactive rather than thought-through, with little transparency or consistency. Despite long-standing contributions, loyalty is not acknowledged or rewarded. Communication is frequently last-minute, and HR processes appear arbitrary and misaligned with the values the company claims to uphold.

Verbesserungsvorschläge

The company should treat long-term employees with more respect and fairness, especially during offboarding. Transparent severance policies, equal treatment, and recognition of contributions are essential. It's demotivating to see newer employees receive better packages while loyal staff are dismissed with a standard notice.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Hiring and firing became the new normal.

Image

The external image of the company no longer reflects the internal reality. While it presents itself as modern and people-focused, behind the scenes there's instability, lack of direction, and inconsistent leadership that negatively affects both culture and morale.

Work-Life-Balance

Work-life balance is generally respected, with flexible hours and remote work possible. However, high turnover and shifting priorities can lead to stress and unclear responsibilities at times.

Karriere/Weiterbildung

There was little structured support for career progression or professional development. Growth was mostly self-driven, and leadership rarely offered guidance or clear paths for advancement—especially in later years when priorities kept shifting.

Gehalt/Benefits

Got better over the years.

Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein

There was little emphasis on environmental responsibility, but employees had the option to take one day per year for social initiatives, which was a positive step toward social engagement.

Kollegenzusammenhalt

The team spirit among peers was one of the few positive aspects. Many colleagues are supportive, collaborative, and highly competent—despite the unstable environment created by leadership.

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

There were no older colleagues.

Vorgesetztenverhalten

Unqualified people in leadership positions.

Arbeitsbedingungen

The general working conditions were good—modern tools, flexibility, and remote work setup were in place. However, the constant organizational changes, high turnover, and frequent layoffs increasingly created stress and instability.

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

Equal rights and diversity were promoted to some extent through internal groups and initiatives. However, these efforts felt more symbolic than structural, with limited impact on actual leadership representation or decision-making processes.

Interessante Aufgaben

There are interesting challenges and opportunities to make an impact—particularly if you take initiative. However, frequent changes in priorities and lack of strategic guidance can make work feel chaotic or repetitive.

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

The people! Supportive culture, smart colleagues, and a lot of trust and autonomy in day-to-day work.

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Due to the fast-paced environment, it can take a bit of time to get used to changes. Some decisions happen quickly, which means you have to be adaptable. Not a bad thing per se, but definitely something to consider if you prefer a more static or slow-moving setup.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Very pleasant and respectful atmosphere, with a healthy balance between drive and collaboration. Ideas are welcomed and the general tone is open and positive.

Image

Internally seen as modern and values-driven. People speak positively about the culture and mission. Probably still a bit under the radar externally.

Work-Life-Balance

For a growing SaaS company, the balance is great. Flexible working hours, remote-first setup, and a few weeks per year of “Work from Anywhere” make it easy to manage your time.

Karriere/Weiterbildung

Great opportunities if you are motivated

Gehalt/Benefits

Competitive salary, plus additional perks like virtual stock options, a meal subsidy, and public transport allowance. Feels fair and aligned with the market.

Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein

There are sustainability and social initiatives in place.

Kollegenzusammenhalt

One of the biggest strengths! Colleagues are supportive, capable, and treat each other with kindness—across all departments and roles.

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

The team skews younger, but age doesn’t seem to impact how people are treated—everyone is respected. More age diversity could be a plus over time.

Vorgesetztenverhalten

The managers I’ve worked with are approachable, fair, and genuinely invested in helping people grow. Goals are discussed openly and feel realistic.

Arbeitsbedingungen

Great office in Vienna with modern equipment and plenty of space. The remote setup is just as solid—tech and flexibility are both well supported.

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

The team is diverse and inclusive, with a strong representation of women in leadership roles. Different nationalities and backgrounds are clearly valued.

Interessante Aufgaben

There’s a wide variety of projects and challenges. If you’re proactive, you’ll quickly be trusted with responsibility and ownership.

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Flexible remote-first work culture

Friendly coworkers across departments

International projects and tools

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

Feedback not welcomed – seen as confrontation

HR avoided communication in conflicts; layoffs used instead of resolution

Termination process offered only two choices – both legally less favorable

Lack of age diversity – mostly young team, little professional experience

Verbesserungsvorschläge

Train managers in leadership, feedback and emotional intelligence

Build a more diverse and age-inclusive team

Ensure HR mediates fairly instead of silently supporting termination decisions

Arbeitsatmosphäre

Friendly at first, but feedback is discouraged. Open dialogue not welcome in every team.

Image

Public image is modern and open – internal reality can differ.

Work-Life-Balance

Very flexible hours and a remote-friendly setup.

Karriere/Weiterbildung

Development is largely self-driven or depends on your team lead's support. The 10% self-learning time is a great initiative

Gehalt/Benefits

A bit more than collective agreement. Holiday/Christmas pay handled correctly.

Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein

Visible externally, but limited real action internally.

Kollegenzusammenhalt

Generally good among peers – more challenging in direct reporting lines.

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

Few or not at all visible – little inclusion of more experienced professionals

Vorgesetztenverhalten

Emotionally driven. Leadership not trained to handle feedback.

Arbeitsbedingungen

Good tech setup, remote-first environment worked well.

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

Team was very young – few to no older colleagues in sight. Experience diversity not reflected.

Interessante Aufgaben

Varied, mostly operational.

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

I'm continually impressed by my colleagues - they're smart and put a lot of effort into what they do. The company is small, and sometimes i feel that if a really high-performing colleague were to depart then the company would strongly feel their absence, but for now, while the team is together, I feel that Meister can achieve its objectives.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

My team is relatively small and has a good working atmosphere, with a complimentary skillset distribution

Work-Life-Balance

By SaaS company standards it's good

Kollegenzusammenhalt

Naturally differences of opinion occur, but generally the final decision is a step forward and a step back

Arbeitsbedingungen

The Vienna office is very nice - if i were based in Vienna i would visit it frequently

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

There are plenty of women in leadership positions across the company - the ratio is probably higher than in companies i've worked for in the past

Interessante Aufgaben

There's plenty to do, the pace is fact, and the objectives are generally clear, but it helps to be a self-started and challenge the status quo sometimes

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

The company has a strong focus on professional growth, offering continuous learning opportunities. Additionally, the supportive and inclusive culture makes it a welcoming place for employees from all backgrounds.

Arbeitsatmosphäre

The atmosphere in the IT department is very collaborative and positive, where everyone is encouraged to contribute and bring new ideas forward.

Image

The company has a positive reputation in the industry for its commitment to quality and its people-first approach.

Work-Life-Balance

The company promotes a healthy work-life balance, with flexibility around working hours and a genuine understanding of personal needs.

Karriere/Weiterbildung

There are clear paths for career progression, and the company encourages further education and training through various programs, including individual learning budget.

Gehalt/Benefits

Compensation is competitive, and benefits like health insurance and additional perks contribute to employee well-being.

Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein

The company is committed to sustainability and regularly promotes green initiatives and social responsibility programs.

Kollegenzusammenhalt

There is a strong sense of teamwork and mutual respect. Colleagues are always ready to support one another, which fosters a great collaborative spirit.

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

Older colleagues are respected for their experience and knowledge, and there is a healthy exchange of ideas across generations.

Vorgesetztenverhalten

Supervisors are approachable, supportive, and focused on team growth. They regularly provide constructive feedback and are committed to the development of each team member.

Arbeitsbedingungen

The office is equipped with modern tools and technologies, which makes it easier to perform tasks effectively and efficiently. Also, the Vienna office has an amazing location right in the heart of the vibrant Mariahilfer Straße.

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

The company values diversity and equality, ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for everyone regardless of background.

Interessante Aufgaben

We get to work on a variety of challenging projects, and there’s always something new to learn in the ever-evolving tech landscape here.

Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich

- the individuals who joined Meister before all the layoffs started
- the salary is generally good or very good (not for people who joined before the investment)
- the office is beautiful and has everything you need or could possibly dream of
- cool product

Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich

- constant layoffs and a lack of accountability on a senior management level
- having let Meister turn into a company where people are afraid to speak up
- allowing corporate politics where individuals who kiss up to their superiors get better opportunities
- constant change of strategy and tactics = projects are stopped in the middle or close before the finish line. This way, nothing much ever gets done.
- pretending that constant layoffs are normal - do you really think anybody buys this?
- very high fluctuation
- micromanagement

Verbesserungsvorschläge

- develop a clear strategy and stick to it for longer than 2 months
- stop telling people that there will be no more layoffs when they happen more or less on a monthly basis
- start taking accountability for mistakes that happened at the top level instead of making individual team members pay for them
- stop playing politics and giving more opportunities to team members and lower management who kiss up to their seniors
- be transparent in job interviews that it could be a fun, exciting and well-paid gig, but that chances are that it will last one year maximum no matter how well you perform or how hard you work - then people can make an informed decision whether this is what they want for themselves at this stage of their lives

Arbeitsatmosphäre

It has been fun for a long time. The team sticks together, the office is beautiful and Meister organizes fun events.
The atmosphere has deteriorated since layoffs started in 2022. Now, there have been so many waves of "restructuring", "rightsizing" etc. and regular (about monthly) terminations that people either leave on their own terms, people have become numb and disassociate or they keep their heads down because they fear that they will be next. There are now more cases of diagnosed or suspected burn-out.
To add a bit more context to the layoffs: I believe no department has been spared so far and in almost all cases, layoffs were not performance-oriented (people with the highest sales numbers and the best performance evaluations were also laid off).

Image

It depends on who you ask. I'd say that within the Austrian start-up bubble, Meister has a good reputation because the company did a lot of things well for a long time. Outside of this bubble, nobody knows Meister, so there's no good or bad image.

Work-Life-Balance

It really depends. There are people with weeks of overtime and others work exactly their contractual 38.5 hours per week. Meister is at least sticking to the law and you can use the hours you've built up as overtime, also entire days or weeks.

Karriere/Weiterbildung

There is 10% time, but this is handled very differently in each team. Some may use it fully, others will not have time for it at all. In my case, I unfortunately never got to use it.

Gehalt/Benefits

Meister pays (quite) well and I assume it will have to continue to do so because people don't come for the culture anymore. However, there has been an ongoing rumour that people who started before the investment still earn significantly less than their peers who joined after.
In terms of salary increases due to the collective agreement, Meister has not communicated as regularly and as clearly as me and several colleagues hoped for based on Meister’s general goal of transparency, so this feels a bit... unexpected?

Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein

See my comment about how elder team members and some people without an Austrian passport were treated during layoffs.

Kollegenzusammenhalt

What makes Meister a great company are the individual team members. For a long time, people were hired not only for their skills and experience, but also for cultural fit and that paid of. It's easy to get along with your colleagues, they are smart, fun and usually really kind people.

Umgang mit älteren Kollegen

There used to be team members above in their early 50s, but apart from that, there aren't any anymore. While they worked at Meister, my impression was that they were never treated differently in the sense of worse because of their age. However, not enough thought was given to them during the layoffs and that it might be harder for them to find new jobs. BTW this was also an issue for some people who moved to Austria to work at Meister.

Vorgesetztenverhalten

For the longest time, Meister has been struggling to define where they want to go, which go-to-market strategy to follow and which target groups to address. This has led to a constant flip-flopping from one approach to another leading to many cancelled projects just before the finish line, high opportunity costs and frustration among the team. In combination with micro-management from top-level executives, this is a difficult situation to be in.
The lack of a strategy has been pointed out numerous times, but was never taken seriously. Instead, external consultants have been brought on. Their opinion was valued a lot higher than the opinion of entire teams of seniors. Meister now prefers to hire individuals from other SaaS companies in the productivity and collaboration space that come with "a playbook". It seems to me that the assumption is that just because the person worked at the competition, they automatically know more than any other person at Meister (no matter their seniority or experience) and that whatever was done at a competitor's, can be easily implemented at Meister and will automatically work. Obviously, this hasn't worked.

Arbeitsbedingungen

The office is really beautiful and located right on Vienna's busiest shopping street. This means that their are ample opportunities for grabbing lunch or coffee. The garden is also really beautiful.
I like that there are these nooks you can use when the open-plan office is too loud.

Kommunikation

Gleichberechtigung

Of course it's still better to be a white male like in almost every (SaaS) company, but in terms of skin color, origin and religious beliefs, my impression is that people are treated equally and fair. However, when you look at how many women are in senior leadership positions or how many people of color there are, well... It's still a SaaS company.

Interessante Aufgaben

The work can be very exciting as the individuals you work with are very talented. What's less exciting is the constant stop-and-go motion due to frequent strategy changes, micromanagement or general fatigue after another round of layoffs.