Kyndryl is the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2023. The company emphasizes a people-centric culture, known as "The Kyndryl Way," which fosters high manager alignment and exceptional respect across its global workforce. With a focus on employee development and continuous feedback, Kyndryl aims to provide a stable and attractive environment for its more than 80,000 employees globally.

What is it actually like to work at Kyndryl?

Working at Kyndryl, the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, means being part of a global enterprise with over 80,000 employees across more than 60 countries. Established in 2021 as an independent entity from IBM, Kyndryl specializes in designing, building, managing, and modernizing complex, mission-critical information systems for thousands of enterprise customers. This specialized focus within the digital economy highlights its significant role and suggests a structured, high-impact work environment [Company digest].

A cornerstone of the employee experience is "The Kyndryl Way," a cultural framework introduced in 2022. This people-centric methodology emphasizes collaboration, mutual responsibility, and excellence, aiming to cultivate a highly skilled, engaged, and valued workforce. The effectiveness of this approach is reflected in 88% of employees reporting manager behavior consistent with "The Kyndryl Way" and a 90% respect score across the global workforce. These metrics suggest a strong, values-driven culture where empathy and inclusion are prioritized [Company digest].

Kyndryl's consistent recognition as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2023, including a 2026 Global Most Loved Workplace® designation, further reinforces its commitment to employee well-being. This recognition also encompasses specialty honors for diversity, caregivers, mental health, LGBTQ+, women, and career advancement, indicating a broad focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse employee base [CertCheck profile].

How does Kyndryl pay compare?

While specific compensation figures for Kyndryl are not publicly detailed for direct comparison, the company's financial stability and market position point to a capacity for competitive remuneration. Kyndryl reported an annual revenue of $15.1 billion, reflecting a substantial market presence in the IT infrastructure services sector. This financial standing is often a prerequisite for companies to invest in competitive employee compensation packages [Visipage profile].

In a services business where "people are at the center of everything," as stated by CEO Martin J. Schroeter, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial. Competitive pay is typically a key component of this strategy, especially in the high-demand field of IT infrastructure. The company's strategic partnerships with hyperscaler cloud providers, system integrators, independent software vendors, and technology vendors also indicate involvement in high-value, cutting-edge projects which often correlate with above-average industry compensation to attract specialized skills [Company digest].

What benefits and time-off does Kyndryl offer?

Kyndryl's commitment to employee well-being, as evidenced by its Most Loved Workplace® recognition, suggests a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its global workforce. While specific details on time-off and health benefits are not explicitly stated, the company's consistent recognition since 2023, including specialty honors for caregivers and mental health, strongly implies robust programs in these areas [CertCheck profile].

Benefits expected from a company that prioritizes its employees and achieves such workplace accolades typically include: robust health and wellness programs, family support initiatives (e.g., parental leave, childcare assistance), and mental health resources. The focus on supporting caregivers and mental health directly addresses critical employee needs, indicating a people-first approach to benefits [CertCheck profile]. Additionally, the company's global footprint across over 60 countries often necessitates locally tailored benefits and time-off policies, adhering to regional regulations and employee expectations, reinforcing a supportive work environment [Company digest].

Culture, leadership, and DEI at Kyndryl

Kyndryl's culture is deeply rooted in "The Kyndryl Way," introduced in 2022 to emphasize collaboration, mutual responsibility, and excellence. This cultural framework is designed to foster an engaged and valued workforce. A key indicator of its success is the high manager alignment, with 88% of employees reporting their manager's behavior aligns with this cultural ethos. Furthermore, a remarkable 90% respect score across the global workforce highlights a culture rich in empathy and inclusion [Company digest].

Leadership at Kyndryl, particularly under CEO Martin J. Schroeter, is central to reinforcing this people-first culture. Schroeter's statement, "As a services business, Kyndryl puts people at the center of everything we do," encapsulates this philosophy. His active engagement through quarterly business updates and global site visits strengthens employer-employee relationships and fosters a shared vision [MLW profile].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are integral to Kyndryl's cultural fabric. Its consistent Most Loved Workplace® recognition includes specific honors for diversity, LGBTQ+, and women, demonstrating a deliberate effort to create an inclusive environment for all. The active solicitation of employee feedback through its Annual Engagement Survey, with a belief that positive change will result from input, further contributes to a sense of value and trust within the workforce, ensuring diverse voices are heard and considered [MLW profile, CertCheck profile].

The hiring and interview process at Kyndryl

Information regarding the specific hiring and interview process at Kyndryl is not publicly detailed. However, given its status as a Most Loved Workplace® and its robust focus on employee engagement and culture, it is reasonable to infer a process that aligns with these values. Companies with strong employee-centric cultures often prioritize a transparent, respectful, and engaging interview experience [MLW profile].

Expected elements of the hiring process would likely include multiple stages from initial application screening to technical assessments (for technical roles), behavioral interviews to assess cultural fit with "The Kyndryl Way," and potentially scenario-based discussions to evaluate problem-solving skills relevant to IT infrastructure services. The emphasis on respect and collaboration within Kyndryl's culture suggests that candidates can expect a process where they are treated fairly and their contributions are valued from the initial contact [Company digest]. Employees at Most Loved Workplaces®, like Kyndryl, are actively engaged, meaning that the hiring process likely aims to attract individuals who resonate with the company's values and long-term vision.

Career growth and learning at Kyndryl

Kyndryl demonstrates a clear commitment to fostering employee development and growth, recognizing it as critical for both individual careers and long-term employer stability. The company has invested significantly in leadership development, evidenced by the training of nearly 6,000 people managers in Leadership Behaviors workshops and the launch of "Leadership Development@Kyndryl." These programs provide extensive resources for managers to enhance their skills and effectively lead their teams [Company digest].

Beyond management, Kyndryl has also rolled out Kyndryl Leadership Behavior training and badges for all employees, empowering them to embody "The Kyndryl Way" in their daily roles. This approach ensures that all employees have opportunities to learn and apply key cultural behaviors, contributing to a skilled and adaptable workforce. Such initiatives are crucial for employee confidence in their career trajectory within the company and for sustained business success in the rapidly evolving IT services landscape [Company digest]. The company actively seeks employee feedback, implying that growth opportunities and learning pathways are likely informed by employee needs and aspirations [MLW profile].

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

As a relatively new independent entity spun off from IBM in 2021, Kyndryl faces the inherent challenges of establishing its own brand and operational efficiencies while managing its large-scale global operations. While its substantial annual revenue of $15.1 billion and market leadership position in IT infrastructure services indicate financial strength, maintaining this trajectory in a competitive and rapidly evolving technology landscape requires continuous adaptation [Visipage profile, Company digest].

One potential area to watch, common for large global organizations, is ensuring the consistent application of "The Kyndryl Way" across all 60+ countries and diverse cultural contexts. While the reported 88% manager alignment and 90% respect score are strong indicators of success, sustaining these levels as the company evolves will be crucial. Employee feedback through the Annual Engagement Survey is a vital mechanism for identifying and addressing any inconsistencies or emerging challenges related to culture and employee experience [Company digest, MLW profile].

Another aspect to monitor is how Kyndryl continues to innovate and integrate new technologies, particularly with its strategic partnerships with hyperscaler cloud providers, to remain at the forefront of IT infrastructure services. The company's ability to navigate global economic shifts and technology disruptions will influence its long-term stability and continued attractiveness as an employer in the tech sector.

Most Loved Workplaces® context

Kyndryl is part of a distinguished network of organizations recognized as Most Loved Workplaces®. These companies are celebrated for their exceptional employee satisfaction and retention, demonstrating that 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise. Representing 2.8 million employees across 1,800 certified companies worldwide, Most Loved Workplaces® exhibit 4× higher revenue growth and 48% higher employee retention compared to their industry peers. They achieve this success by integrating the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.

How we researched this report

Prepared by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff for The Workplace Report. Methodology: /methodology.

Working at Kyndryl: Culture, Pay, and Career Growth Explored