Culture in Technology & Communications: What the Numbers Say
Discover the good, the bad, and the ugly across big tech and communications. Real employee data shows what drives — and what holds back — performance.
The Technology & Communications sector prides itself on speed, innovation, and scale. But what’s it actually like inside some of the world’s most influential firms?
Using Culture Intelligence data from 2023–2025, we explored how employees experience their workplace across the sector. The data doesn’t just capture the culture of individual firms — it reveals the strengths people value most and the systemic weaknesses that slow teams down.
For CHROs and senior leaders, the questions are pressing:
How do you sustain collaboration and agility as organisations grow to tens of thousands of people across products and regions?
What does real investment in learning and development look like when skills and tools evolve every quarter?
How do you balance reward, purpose, and progression to retain high-value talent in the most competitive labour markets on earth?
This level of insight helps leaders move beyond assumptions and anecdotes. It gives a sharper view of how culture is really experienced across the industry — and it raises a clear challenge: can Tech & Comms build on its strengths while tackling the barriers that hold people back?
The Good
Collaboration remains a cultural asset
Across the peer set, collaboration is a relative strength. Google (56.1) and IBM (52.7) lead above the peer average (43.0), suggesting employees can connect, share knowledge, and ship work across complex organisations.
Learning & Development is a standout
Every firm performs strongly on L&D. IBM (73.1) tops the set, with Microsoft (64.6), Google (63.0), and Apple (62.4) close behind — a clear signal that upskilling and internal mobility remain investment priorities.
Pay & Rewards differentiate at the top end
Compensation is a lever. Google (64.8), Apple (62.2) and AT&T (55.5) score well above the peer average (38.8), reinforcing how rewards help retain and attract critical talent.
| Company | Collaborative | Learning & Development | Pay & Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | 52.7% | 73.1% | -21.5% |
| Apple | 39.6% | 62.4% | 62.2% |
| 56.1% | 63.0% | 64.8% | |
| Microsoft | 40.5% | 64.6% | 33.1% |
| AT&T | 26.3% | 39.2% | 55.5% |
| Peer set average | 43.0% | 60.5% | 38.8% |
Source: Deltabase Culture Intelligence, 2023–2025
The Bad:
Bureaucracy is slowing the sector down
Agility & Bureaucracy is the lowest-performing dimension across the set (peer average −64.2). Microsoft (−72.3) and Google (−71.1) show how process and approvals can throttle responsiveness even in high-performing companies.
Empowerment isn’t consistent
Many employees don’t feel they have the autonomy to act. Apple (−33.9) and AT&T (−64.7) trail, while Microsoft (1.9) and Google (−0.9) show pockets of stronger empowerment.
Career progression frustrations persist
Despite strong L&D, progression feels unclear. Apple (−51.1) and Google (−47.1) illustrate the challenge of translating development into visible, equitable advancement.
| Company | Agility & Bureaucracy | Empowerment | Career Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | -66.2% | -5.8% | -39.0% |
| Apple | -43.7% | -33.9% | -51.1% |
| -71.1% | -0.9% | -47.1% | |
| Microsoft | -72.3% | 1.9% | -31.8% |
| AT&T | -67.8% | -64.7% | -25.0% |
| Peer set average | -64.2% | -20.7% | -38.8% |
Source: Deltabase Culture Intelligence, 2023–2025
The Ugly
Purpose feels patchy
Employees question the “why” behind their work. Purpose averages −49.4 across the set, with AT&T (−81.8) and IBM (−63.8) indicating deeper gaps in meaning and mission.
Work–life balance is polarised
While IBM reports a positive experience (39.3), Apple (−48.5) and AT&T (−50.2) show significant strain. In high-intensity delivery cycles, sustainable pace and boundary-setting remain unresolved.
Progressive culture still isn’t embedded
All firms underperform on progressiveness, with Microsoft (−43.3) and AT&T (−54.3) underlining how hard it is to convert innovation rhetoric into action at scale.
| Company | Purpose | Technology in Workplace | Progressiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | -63.8% | 36.1% | -20.3% |
| Apple | -37.8% | 31.2% | -16.6% |
| -44.0% | 14.0% | -21.7% | |
| Microsoft | -19.8% | 26.3% | -43.3% |
| AT&T | -81.8% | -7.4% | -54.3% |
| Peer set average | -49.4% | 20.0% | -31.2% |
Source: Deltabase Culture Intelligence, 2023–2025
How Deltabase Helps
The companies profiled vary in size, product mix, and global footprint — yet the cultural patterns are strikingly consistent. We see strong performance on collaboration, learning, and rewards. At the same time, bureaucracy, empowerment, purpose, and progressiveness represent headwinds to innovation and speed.
These are not just HR topics. Culture now shapes everything from AI adoption and product velocity to customer experience and long‑term competitiveness.
If you’re a leader in Tech & Comms, ask yourself:
Can your people connect with the purpose behind your strategy?
Do teams feel empowered to deliver it at pace?
Is your culture evolving as quickly as your technology stack and market?
Want to See Your Culture in Context?
If you’re responsible for people, culture, or transformation inside a Technology & Communications firm — we’d love to show you what’s going on in your company and how it compares to your peers.
👉 Book a Culture Intelligence demo
👉 Explore our full platform
Leroy Hall
http://deltabase.ioLeroy Hall is a strategy and culture specialist at Deltabase, where he helps organizations unlock insights into leadership, workforce, and cultural dynamics through data-driven intelligence.
