Netflix' strange employee policy..."The Keeper Test" | #grindreel

The video discusses Netflix's controversial 'Keeper Test', a policy encouraging employees to ask their managers if they would fight to keep them if they were to leave. It highlights potential biases and questions the manipulative nature of such a policy, contrasting it with Netflix's stated values of freedom, responsibility, and open communication. The video also critiques other Netflix policies, such as unlimited vacation time and the expectation of acting in the company's best interest, suggesting they may not align with the company's portrayed culture of honesty and selflessness.

Takeaways

• 📺 The 'Keeper Test' is a controversial Netflix policy where employees are encouraged to ask their managers if they would fight to keep them if they considered leaving.
• 🎬 Netflix has a dedicated YouTube channel and podcast discussing its company culture, including freedom and responsibility.
• 👥 The policy may lead to biases and an unhealthy dynamic where employees feel they constantly need to prove their worth to their managers.
• 🤔 The video emphasizes that the Keeper Test is not scary and is meant to foster open communication between employees and managers about job security.
• 👍 Some employees find the policy positive, appreciating the direct conversation about their standing within the company.
• 🚫 The video has disabled like/dislike counts and comments, suggesting there may be significant disagreement or negative feedback about the policy.
• 💭 The script questions whether the Keeper Test undermines self-confidence and if it's manipulative, likening it to an insecure relationship.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Netflix does not model itself as a family, which raises questions about the implications of such a test in fostering a team environment.
• 💡 The company values include no rules rules, acting in Netflix's best interest, and selflessness, which some may find odd or extreme.
• 😢 There are references to a culture of fear and tears due to candid feedback, suggesting that the policy may not always be as positive as portrayed.
• 🤝 Netflix encourages outside interviewing and discussing the outcomes with managers, which some might find counterintuitive.
• 🌴 The company has an unlimited vacation policy, but some argue that it can lead to employees taking less time off due to fear of seeming replaceable.
• 💰 Employees can choose the composition of their compensation between salary and stock, with the stock granted immediately and not subject to vesting.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the controversial 'Keeper Test' employee policy at Netflix.

What is the purpose of the 'We Are Netflix' YouTube channel?

The purpose of the 'We Are Netflix' YouTube channel is to share insights into the company culture and work experience at Netflix.

How does the 'Keeper Test' work?

The 'Keeper Test' involves an employee asking their manager if they would fight to keep them if they were to leave the company the next day.

What concerns does the video raise about the 'Keeper Test'?

The video raises concerns about potential biases, a lack of self-confidence, and the possibility of creating a manipulative relationship dynamic within the workplace.

How does Netflix define its company culture?

Netflix defines its company culture through its core values, emphasizing freedom, responsibility, and high-performance teamwork.

What is Netflix's stance on vacation policies?

Netflix has a no-rules policy for vacations, allowing employees to take time off as they see fit, as long as their work is not compromised.

How does the video discuss the concept of loyalty at Netflix?

The video suggests that Netflix values performance and adaptability over blind loyalty, and that employees with a strong track record may receive leniency during temporary dips in performance.

What is the 'no expense policy' mentioned in the video?

The 'no expense policy' means employees can spend as they think is appropriate, guided by the principle of acting in Netflix's best interest.

How does the video address the idea of selflessness at Netflix?

The video points out that while selflessness is encouraged, employees should also consider their own best interests, as the company will not unconditionally support individuals over its overall performance.

What does the video suggest about the impact of candid feedback at Netflix?

The video suggests that while candid feedback is encouraged, it can sometimes lead to emotional distress among employees and HR personnel.

How does the video view the practice of discussing outside job offers with managers?

The video finds it strange and potentially unwise to discuss outside job offers with managers, as it could create tension or awkwardness in the professional relationship.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Netflix's Culture: The Keeper Test

This paragraph discusses the concept of the 'Keeper Test' within Netflix's company culture. The speaker shares their experience and thoughts on the idea of employees asking their managers if they would fight to keep them if they were to leave. The paragraph highlights the potential biases and insecurities that may arise from this practice, contrasting it with the company's emphasis on open communication and feedback. It also touches on the implications of such a test on self-confidence and the balance between honesty and kindness within the workplace.

05:02

📜 Netflix's Core Values and Employee Relations

The second paragraph delves into Netflix's core values as opposed to their 'fake values' and discusses how these values are reflected in the company's practices. It addresses the paradox between promoting selflessness and the natural inclination of employees to prioritize their own interests. The paragraph also mentions the importance of giving candid feedback and the potential for this to create a culture of fear, as evidenced by emotional reactions from HR personnel and engineers. The speaker questions the balance between loyalty and performance, and the subjectivity of measuring an employee's contribution based on sustained effort and effectiveness.

10:03

📈 Netflix's Policies and Employee Freedom

This paragraph focuses on various policies and practices at Netflix, such as the unlimited vacation policy and the freedom for employees to leave the company at any time. It discusses the potential pitfalls of such policies, including employees taking less vacation due to uncertainty and the expectation of working during odd hours. The speaker also addresses the concept of occasional outside interviewing as a healthy practice and the idea of employees having a choice in their compensation structure. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the balance between work and personal life and the importance of setting boundaries.

Keywords

The Keeper Test

The Keeper Test is a controversial policy discussed in the video, which encourages employees to ask their managers if they would fight to keep them if they were to leave the company. It is meant to assess the value of an employee from the manager's perspective, but it can lead to biases and insecurities. In the context of the video, the narrator expresses skepticism about the effectiveness and the potential negative implications of this policy on employee self-confidence and company culture.

Netflix Culture

Netflix Culture refers to the set of values, practices, and behaviors that define the working environment at Netflix. The video discusses various aspects of this culture, such as the emphasis on freedom and responsibility, the lack of a vacation policy, and the expectation for employees to act in Netflix's best interest. The narrator critiques certain aspects of this culture, suggesting that they may lead to a culture of fear and unrealistic expectations.

Feedback

Feedback in the context of the video refers to the open and candid communication between employees and managers about performance and job security. Netflix encourages employees to seek feedback and use it for self-improvement. However, the narrator points out that this can sometimes result in emotional distress and a sense of insecurity among employees, as they may feel pressured to constantly prove their worth.

Selflessness

Selflessness, as discussed in the video, is a core value at Netflix that encourages employees to prioritize the company's needs over their own. The narrator questions this value, arguing that it may lead to employees neglecting their own well-being and career growth for the benefit of the company. The concept is presented as a potential source of conflict between individual ambition and company loyalty.

Loyalty

Loyalty in the context of the video refers to the expectation that employees remain committed to Netflix even during periods of poor performance or personal struggles. The narrator criticizes this expectation, suggesting that it can lead to a stagnant work environment where employees are not rewarded for their efforts or contributions. The video contrasts this with the idea that employees should be free to leave if they find better opportunities elsewhere.

Performance

Performance in the video is related to the evaluation of an employee's work and their contribution to the company. Netflix emphasizes sustained high performance and does not reward effort if it does not result in significant results. The narrator expresses concern that this focus on performance may be too subjective and could lead to employees feeling undervalued if their efforts are not recognized or understood.

Vacation Policy

The Vacation Policy discussed in the video refers to Netflix's approach of not having a set number of vacation days for employees. Instead, they can take time off as they see fit, as long as their work is not compromised. The narrator expresses skepticism about this policy, suggesting that it may lead to employees not taking enough time off or feeling pressured to work even when they are on vacation.

Unlimited Vacation

Unlimited Vacation is a policy that allows employees to take time off without any restrictions on the number of days. In the video, the narrator discusses Netflix's implementation of this policy and its potential drawbacks, such as employees feeling uncertain about how much time off they can take without negative consequences. The narrator suggests that a more effective unlimited vacation policy would include a mandatory minimum vacation period.

Compensation

Compensation in the video refers to the salary and stock options that employees receive as part of their employment package at Netflix. The company allows employees to choose the balance between salary and stock in their compensation, which the narrator finds to be an interesting and empowering option for employees.

Candid Feedback

Candid Feedback is an open and honest exchange of opinions or critiques about an employee's performance or behavior. In the video, the narrator discusses how Netflix encourages this type of feedback, but also raises concerns about the potential for it to cause emotional distress and create a culture of fear.

Outside Interviewing

Outside Interviewing refers to the practice of employees exploring job opportunities with other companies while still employed at their current job. In the video, it is mentioned that Netflix sees this as a healthy practice and encourages employees to discuss what they learn from these interviews with their managers. The narrator questions the wisdom of this approach, suggesting it might not always be beneficial for the employee or the company.

Highlights

The concept of 'The Keeper Test' is introduced as a controversial policy at Netflix.

Netflix's official YouTube channel, 'We Are Netflix', provides insights into the company's culture and work life.

Managers at Netflix are encouraged to ask themselves if they would fight to keep an employee upon their potential departure.

The video on 'The Keeper Test' has sparked debates, with like and dislike comments disabled.

Some employees find 'The Keeper Test' manipulative and similar to an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

Netflix emphasizes open communication between managers and employees regarding job security.

The podcast and YouTube content showcase happy employees who view 'The Keeper Test' positively.

Netflix's culture values freedom and responsibility, as shared by the CEO and other company leaders.

The company's core values include selflessness and acting in Netflix's best interest, which may conflict with personal interests.

Netflix's culture promotes candid feedback, which can sometimes lead to emotional reactions from employees.

The company's policy allows for unlimited vacation, but this may have strings attached in terms of expectations and workload.

Employees are encouraged to interview with other companies and share their learnings with their managers at Netflix.

Netflix's culture values sustained high performance and does not reward effort without results.

The company's policies and culture are designed to foster a team environment rather than a family-like atmosphere.

Netflix's leadership believes that employees should feel free to leave at any time, emphasizing the company's non-hierarchical structure.

The company's culture encourages employees to openly disagree and voice their opinions on material issues.

Netflix's culture aims to create a workplace where employees feel a sense of responsibility and contribute positively to the company.

The company's compensation policy allows employees to choose their preferred mix of salary and stock options.

The video creator expresses a desire to visit and document the work culture at Netflix, highlighting the company's transparency.