Hewlett-Packard used to be one of those places people dream to work for. Although the company is not as good as they were, a lot of the criticisms are unjustified and they are still one of the best company to work for.
Yes, they are undergoing all sorts of cost-cutting and reorganization, in order to revive their business. They have acquired couple of companies, which led to lay-offs within the organization. Then they rehire some of those laid-off employees as temps, so that they don't have to pay for the entire benefit package.
Having that said, I have 10+ years of work experience, and they are really far better than other employers I have worked with. The pay is good. Engineers are treated with respect and, most important of all, the management is honest. They told me months in advance that I will be laid off so that I can prepare for the next step. Other companies would have told me to go only at the moment that I am laid off. HP earns my respect and I would be happy to work for them again.
