Pros
Some colleagues were genuinely friendly and supportive. The company promotes a queer-friendly work environment in its policies.
Cons
Toxic Work Environment: Despite the company's declarations of a queer-friendly and supportive work environment, my experience was far from it due to a particularly nasty and inappropriate individual brought in to help the kitchen. This individual was kept around for their work on the budget and ‘turning the kitchen around,’ but their negative impact on staff was significant. They were generally rude, belittling, and controlling, often speaking badly about staff behind their backs. They made numerous inappropriate comments to me, including an admission to 'accidentally' sexually assaulting someone, implying it was a common or relatable 'mistake.' I was also told that I could not attend therapy sessions due to staffing issues, even though this had been agreed upon at the beginning of my employment—ironic for a 'feel good' club. Other staff members shared similar negative experiences and feelings about this individual's presence. Management was informed but did not deal with the issue promptly. Despite assurances that this person would be instantly dismissed, they remained for several weeks. Delayed and Inadequate Payment: I noticed an underpayment on payday, which took over 10 days to rectify. Despite chasing the issue every day, I had to be the one to identify the missing shifts. Payment was delayed further because the owners were at a festival, which is unprofessional and unacceptable. This is on top of poor payment for the amount of work I was doing, being paid minimum wage by a company that boasts a large brand and seems financially comfortable. The company preaches mental health and support but treats its staff poorly. My experience, along with others', highlights the discrepancy between the company's stated values and actual practices. The company's failure to act on reported issues, coupled with the unprofessional handling of payroll, showcases a significant gap between their brand image and reality.