Working at Kyndryl means being part of a massive, global IT infrastructure firm consciously building a new culture post-spinoff from IBM. The company centers its identity on "The Kyndryl Way," a framework prioritizing empathy, restlessness, and devotion, which heavily influences its collaborative environment and leadership style. While undergoing a significant business transformation with inherent risks, Kyndryl has invested heavily in manager training and has been recognized as a Most Loved Workplace®, indicating a structured, respectful, and people-first employee experience. Expect a work environment focused on large-scale enterprise clients, continuous learning through internal programs, and a hiring process that values cultural alignment as much as technical skill.

What is it actually like to work at Kyndryl?

Working at Kyndryl is an experience defined by scale, transformation, and a deliberate cultural architecture. Spun off from IBM's managed infrastructure services business in 2021, Kyndryl is the world's largest IT infrastructure provider, serving thousands of enterprise customers globally. With approximately 90,000 employees, the company operates with the resources and complexity of a large, established corporation but with the mindset of a new organization aiming to define its own identity. Source: Kyndryl 2023 Annual Report

The company's leadership has been intentional about creating this new identity through "The Kyndryl Way," a cultural framework built on three core principles: being Restless, Empathetic, and Devoted. This isn't just corporate jargon; it's a practical guide for day-to-day operations, collaboration, and customer service. Data from Kyndryl's Most Loved Workplace® certification shows this focus has a tangible impact, with the company earning a 90% employee respect score. This suggests that despite its size, the daily environment is one of mutual consideration and professionalism. Employees, or "Kyndryls," are tasked with managing the mission-critical technology systems of major companies, meaning the work is often high-stakes and requires deep technical expertise and a commitment to shared success. Source: The Kyndryl Way

How does Kyndryl pay compare?

Kyndryl's compensation is positioned to be competitive within the IT services industry, reflecting its need to attract and retain skilled technical and consulting talent. As a publicly traded company navigating a post-spinoff transformation, its pay structure aims to balance attracting top-tier expertise with financial discipline.

Analysis of crowdsourced salary data suggests that Kyndryl's pay for key technical and management roles is often slightly above the industry average in the United States. For example, roles like Solutions Architect and Cybersecurity Specialist tend to command salaries that meet or exceed market rates at comparable firms. It's important to note that actual compensation can vary significantly based on geographic location, a candidate's experience level, the specific business unit, and performance-based incentives. The company's global presence means that compensation strategies are localized to reflect regional market dynamics.

Role	Average Kyndryl Salary (US)	Average IT Services Industry Salary (US)	Source
Solutions Architect	$146,500/year	$135,000/year	Glassdoor
Project Manager	$110,200/year	$105,000/year	Glassdoor
Cybersecurity Specialist	$121,000/year	$118,000/year	Glassdoor
Technical Sales Specialist	$95,600/year	$92,000/year	Glassdoor

Note: Salary data is based on self-reported, aggregated user data from Glassdoor as of late 2023 and may not reflect all compensation packages, locations, or experience levels. It should be used for directional guidance only.

Beyond base salary, Kyndryl's total rewards package typically includes variable pay components such as annual bonuses tied to company and individual performance. As a public company, stock-based compensation may also be part of the package for certain roles and levels, aligning employee interests with the company's long-term growth. [Source: Glassdoor - Kyndryl](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Kyndryl-Salaries-E6 Kyndryl652157.htm)

What benefits and time-off does Kyndryl offer?

Kyndryl provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and work-life balance of its global workforce. The offerings are in line with what is expected from a large technology corporation and reflect the company's people-first cultural stance. Key components of the U.S. benefits program include:

Health and Wellness: A choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. The company also emphasizes mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other well-being resources.
Financial Security: A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match, life insurance, and disability coverage.
Time Off: A flexible paid time off (PTO) policy that combines vacation, personal, and sick days, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Family Support: Paid parental leave for new parents is a standard offering. Kyndryl's recognition as a Most Loved Workplace for Parents suggests these benefits are competitive and supportive of employees with families.
Flexibility: Reflecting modern work norms, Kyndryl supports a hybrid work model for many roles, allowing a mix of in-office and remote work. This flexibility is a key aspect of its talent attraction and retention strategy.

The company's multiple specialty Most Loved Workplace® awards for Diversity, LGBTQ+, Women, and Parents signal that its benefits are designed to be inclusive. This often translates to programs like comprehensive family-forming benefits, inclusive healthcare options, and resources tailored to the needs of its diverse employee populations. Source: Kyndryl Careers & Benefits

Culture, leadership, and DEI at Kyndryl

The culture at Kyndryl is its most distinct and heavily emphasized asset. Led by Chairman and CEO Martin Schroeter, the company has made culture the centerpiece of its post-spinoff identity. Schroeter has stated, "As a services business, Kyndryl puts people at the center of everything we do." This top-down focus is built around "The Kyndryl Way" and its principles of being Restless (driving progress), Empathetic (listening and prioritizing inclusivity), and Devoted (collaborating for shared success).

A critical element in embedding this culture is the company's investment in its leaders. Kyndryl has trained nearly 6,000 people managers globally in specific Leadership Behaviors workshops. This significant undertaking has produced measurable results: an internal survey revealed that 88% of Kyndryl's employees feel their manager’s behavior is consistent with the company’s principles. This consistency is vital in a company of 90,000 people, ensuring that the employee experience doesn't vary dramatically from team to team.

Kyndryl's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is another cornerstone of its culture. The company's 2023 ESG report details its public commitments to increase executive representation for women globally and for Black and Hispanic employees in the U.S. This is supported by nine global Kyndryl Inclusion Networks (also known as Employee Resource Groups) that provide community and advocate for groups such as women, LGBTQ+ employees, Black professionals, and those with disabilities. The company's numerous recognitions, including being named a top company for diversity and women, reinforce that these initiatives are central to its strategy. Source: Kyndryl 2023 ESG Report

The hiring and interview process at Kyndryl

While Kyndryl does not publicize the precise stages of its interview process, the company's deep cultural framework provides clear signposts for what candidates should expect. The hiring process is a direct extension of The Kyndryl Way and serves as the first major checkpoint for cultural alignment. It's designed as a two-way street: Kyndryl assesses a candidate's skills and values, while the candidate gets a firsthand look at the company's people-first philosophy in action.

Interviews are likely to go beyond a simple review of a resume. Candidates should prepare for behavioral questions designed to see The Kyndryl Way in practice. Expect to be asked to provide specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate:

Restlessness: When have you challenged the status quo to find a better way? How do you stay current with technology and industry trends?
Empathy: Describe a time you had to understand a customer's or colleague's perspective to solve a problem. How have you contributed to an inclusive team environment?
Devotion: How have you collaborated with a diverse team to achieve a difficult goal? Tell us about a time you took ownership to see a project through to success for a client.

Given the heavy investment in management training, candidates can anticipate a professional, structured, and consistent interview experience. The nearly 6,000 managers trained in Kyndryl's leadership behaviors are equipped to conduct interviews that are fair, respectful, and focused on identifying candidates who will not only perform their role but also enhance the company's collaborative culture. The company’s certified 90% employee respect score further suggests that the entire process, from application to offer, will be handled with professionalism. Source: Kyndryl Most Loved Workplace® Profile

Career growth and learning at Kyndryl

Kyndryl positions itself as a company that invests in the continuous development of its people, a necessity for a services firm that trades on the expertise of its talent. A cornerstone of this effort is Kyndryl University, an internal learning platform offering a wide range of courses covering technical skills, professional development, and leadership training. The platform is designed to help employees stay relevant in a rapidly changing technology landscape. Source: Kyndryl Learning and Development

To ensure its workforce has cutting-edge skills, Kyndryl has also forged strategic partnerships with major technology players. The company has announced initiatives to upskill and certify tens of thousands of its professionals on platforms like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). For a prospective employee, this means access to funded certifications and hands-on experience with the technologies that power modern enterprise IT. This focus on marketable skills provides clear pathways for career advancement within the company.

Growth opportunities also stem from the sheer scale and scope of Kyndryl's business. With thousands of clients across every major industry, employees have the chance to work on a wide variety of complex challenges and technology stacks. Internal mobility is encouraged, allowing employees to move between different roles, projects, and even geographies. At Most Loved Workplaces®, 92% of employees apply for roles when openings arise, and Kyndryl’s cultural focus on developing and retaining its people aims to foster a similar environment where employees see a long-term future. Source: Kyndryl and Google Cloud Partnership

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

No workplace is without its challenges, and candidates considering Kyndryl should have a clear-eyed view of the risks and pressures the company faces. As a 2021 spinoff from IBM, Kyndryl is still in a period of intense transformation. Its primary business challenge is to pivot from managing legacy IT systems to higher-growth areas like cloud services, data, and security, all while establishing its own brand and financial footing.

This transformation has involved significant restructuring. Like many large technology companies, Kyndryl has undertaken workforce reductions to streamline operations and align its skills with future market demands. In 2023, the company announced a "workforce rebalancing" effort that resulted in layoffs, a difficult but stated necessity to position the company for growth. Candidates should be aware that this restructuring may continue as the company evolves. Source: Reuters - Kyndryl Layoffs

The broader IT managed services industry is also highly competitive and subject to margin pressure. Kyndryl competes with global giants and nimble new players, putting a constant emphasis on efficiency and delivering value. For employees, this can translate to a fast-paced, demanding environment where performance and customer outcomes are paramount. Prospective employees should use the interview process to ask direct questions about team stability, the impact of restructuring on the role they are considering, and the company’s strategy for growth in their specific area of expertise.

Most Loved Workplaces® context

Kyndryl is one of 1,800 certified companies worldwide that are part of the Most Loved Workplaces® network. This certification is based on rigorous analysis of employee sentiment and data from over 2.8 million employees across the certified network. Research shows that top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® achieve 4× higher revenue growth vs. industry peers and benefit from 48% higher employee retention. A key indicator of this engagement is that 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise. The culture at these loved workplaces is often defined by the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.

How we researched this report

Researched and written by the Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our analysis is based on Kyndryl's official corporate communications, SEC filings, ESG reports, crowdsourced data from platforms like Glassdoor, reporting from reputable trade and financial press, and proprietary data from Most Loved Workplaces® certification. Read our full methodology.

What It's Really Like Working at Kyndryl