Working at Kyndryl centers on "The Kyndryl Way," a people-first philosophy emphasizing collaboration, mutual responsibility, and excellence in mission-critical IT services. The company, a Global Most Loved Workplace®, prioritizes continuous employee development, particularly in leadership, fostering a growth-oriented environment across its 60+ countries of operation. Kyndryl seeks individuals who align with its cultural values and possess specialized IT expertise in areas like cloud, data, and security, offering clear pathways for long-term career advancement and professional growth within a diverse and inclusive setting.

What is it actually like to work at Kyndryl?

Working at Kyndryl means being part of the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, deeply embedded in mission-critical systems for thousands of enterprise customers across more than 60 countries. The experience is primarily shaped by "The Kyndryl Way," a cultural framework introduced in 2022 that defines the company's operational and talent approach. This framework prioritizes collaboration, mutual responsibility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in delivering services-led IT solutions [Company digest].

Employees can expect an environment where cultural alignment is paramount; within three years of its cultural transformation, 88% of employees reported that their manager's behavior was consistent with The Kyndryl Way. This indicates a strong, consistent culture championed from leadership down. The company emphasizes a people-first approach, as articulated by Chairman & CEO Martin Schroeter, suggesting a focus on employee well-being and growth as central to its business strategy [Company digest].

The work itself involves designing, building, managing, and modernizing complex IT systems, with opportunities to impact vital areas like cloud services, mainframe applications, data and AI, digital workplace solutions, security and resiliency, and network and edge services. This scope implies a dynamic and challenging work environment, best suited for individuals passionate about technology and its application in enterprise settings [MLW profile].

How does Kyndryl pay compare?

Information regarding specific salary ranges or compensation structures for Kyndryl is not publicly detailed in the provided sources. However, as a global leader in IT infrastructure services, Kyndryl operates within a competitive talent market, particularly for specialized IT roles. The company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent suggests that compensation packages are designed to be competitive within the industry for the roles it seeks to fill.

The emphasis on leadership development and continuous learning within Kyndryl implies that compensation may also reflect opportunities for skill advancement and increased responsibilities inherent in these growth paths [Company digest]. For precise compensation data, candidates are typically encouraged to research industry benchmarks for their specific roles and locations, and inquire during the interview process.

What benefits and time-off does Kyndryl offer?

Kyndryl's commitment to employee well-being extends to its benefits and time-off offerings, though specific details are not exhaustively listed in the provided information. However, the company's recognition with Most Loved Workplace® specialty honors provides significant insight into its priorities. Kyndryl has received awards across categories including caregiving, mental health, and support for women and LGBTQ+ employees [Company digest].

These recognitions highlight a holistic approach to employee support, indicating that traditional benefits likely encompass comprehensive health insurance, and paid time off (PTO). Furthermore, the specific awards suggest robust programs for:

Caregivers: Initiatives or policies designed to support employees with caregiving responsibilities.
Mental Health: Resources, programs, or benefits aimed at supporting employees' mental well-being.
Diversity & Inclusion: Policies and benefits promoting an inclusive environment for various demographics, specifically recognized for women and LGBTQ+ individuals [Company digest].

These specialty honors imply a benefits structure that goes beyond standard offerings, reflecting a dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all employees can thrive both professionally and personally [Company digest].

Culture, leadership, and DEI at Kyndryl

Kyndryl's culture is fundamentally shaped by "The Kyndryl Way," a framework introduced in 2022 that emphasizes collaboration, mutual responsibility, and excellence. This people-first philosophy, advocated by Chairman & CEO Martin Schroeter, underpins all aspects of the company's operations and talent strategy. Employees can expect a highly aligned culture, with 88% reporting that their manager's behavior is consistent with The Kyndryl Way within three years of its rollout [Company digest].

Leadership development is a cornerstone of Kyndryl's approach. The company has invested significant resources in training, having equipped nearly 6,000 people managers with specific Leadership Behaviors workshops. This is further supported by "Leadership Development@Kyndryl," an initiative offering a contemporary curriculum, workshops, resources, and tools to enhance managerial skills. This investment signals an expectation for all employees to embody the principles of The Kyndryl Way, reinforced by leadership behavior training and badges [Company digest].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to Kyndryl's cultural fabric, evidenced by its multiple Most Loved Workplace® specialty honors. These recognitions specifically acknowledge the company's efforts in fostering diversity, supporting caregivers, promoting mental health, and creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and women. This holistic commitment to inclusion indicates Kyndryl strives to create a workplace where diverse talent feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute [Company digest].

The hiring and interview process at Kyndryl

The hiring process at Kyndryl is heavily influenced by its core values and "The Kyndryl Way," seeking candidates who embody collaboration, mutual responsibility, and excellence. While specific public details on immediate hiring needs are not extensively publicized, the overarching strategy focuses on cultural alignment and specialized IT expertise [Company digest].

Candidates can expect a process that assesses not only technical skills but also cultural fit. The company's significant investment in leadership training and the high degree of alignment with The Kyndryl Way among existing managers suggest that interviews would likely explore a candidate's growth mindset, willingness to collaborate, and potential to contribute to an evolving, people-centric environment [Company digest].

Given Kyndryl's focus on mission-critical IT infrastructure services, openings are concentrated in areas such as cloud services, mainframe and applications, data and artificial intelligence, digital workplace, security and resiliency, and network and edge services. Therefore, interviews will likely delve deeply into candidates' expertise and experience in these specific domains. Recruiters and hiring managers will seek individuals who can demonstrate practical skills and a strategic understanding of how their work contributes to complex enterprise solutions [MLW profile].

Career growth and learning at Kyndryl

Kyndryl places a strong emphasis on career growth and continuous learning for its employees. This commitment is underscored by multiple factors, including its Most Loved Workplace® specialty honor for career advancement. This recognition indicates that the company actively provides pathways and opportunities for employees to progress within their roles and develop new skills [Company digest].

A cornerstone of this commitment is the significant investment in leadership development. Kyndryl has trained nearly 6,000 people managers through Leadership Behaviors workshops and launched "Leadership Development@Kyndryl." This initiative provides a contemporary curriculum, workshops, resources, and tools designed to enhance skills across the organization. This focus on developing leaders suggests a structured approach to career progression, where employees are encouraged and supported in taking on greater responsibilities and refining their proficiencies [Company digest].

Furthermore, the activation of Kyndryl Leadership Behavior training and badges for all employees reinforces a culture of continuous learning and embodiment of The Kyndryl Way. This ensures that every individual has access to development opportunities and is encouraged to integrate the company's core values into their daily work, fostering an environment where professional evolution is an integral part of the employee experience [Company digest].

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

As a global IT infrastructure services provider that spun off from IBM, Kyndryl operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. While the provided sources highlight positive aspects of its culture and employee experience, potential risks and criticisms common to a company of its size and scope include the challenges of managing global operations across 60+ countries and adapting to fast-paced technological changes.

The ongoing cultural transformation, branded as "The Kyndryl Way," while largely successful with 88% manager alignment, requires continuous reinforcement to prevent potential gaps between stated values and day-to-day employee experience, particularly as the company scales and integrates new talent [Company digest]. Challenges in attracting and retaining top-tier specialized IT talent in a competitive market, despite its Most Loved Workplace® status, could also pose a risk. Employees considering Kyndryl should assess the company's long-term strategy for innovation and market positioning in an industry constantly reshaped by emerging technologies like advanced AI and automation. Monitoring Kyndryl's financial performance (if publicly traded) and its ability to secure new, impactful contracts in critical IT domains will offer further insights into its stability and future growth potential in the demanding IT infrastructure sector.

Kyndryl is certified as a Most Loved Workplace®, a recognition earned by companies that have a strong culture of respect, collaboration, and employee growth. Most Loved Workplaces® are characterized by higher employee retention, with 48% higher retention rates than industry peers. Data from 1,800 certified companies worldwide, representing 2.8 million employees, shows that 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, and top-tier companies experience 4× higher revenue growth. The SPARK framework (Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, Kindness) underscores the pillars of a truly loved workplace.

How we researched this report

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

Working at Kyndryl: Culture, Careers, and Benefits for IT Professionals