Social culture is heavily alcohol-focused:
Every social, company, and team event revolves around drinking. If you don’t drink or aren’t into that culture, it can feel isolating, with very few alternative ways to connect with colleagues.
Unwelcoming and hierarchical culture;
There is a strong hierarchical culture, and it can be difficult to feel comfortable or included unless you fit into certain groups. Personally, I never felt fully welcome, which made it harder to settle in and contribute confidently.
Senior leadership style can feel unapproachable:
Some senior staff come across as arrogant or dismissive, which can make collaboration uncomfortable. This is particularly challenging for newer or more junior employees, who may find it difficult to ask questions or feel supported.
Excessive workload and lack of support when raising concerns:
Workload can be overwhelming, with more and more responsibilities added over time. Concerns about capacity don’t always feel listened to, which makes it difficult to manage expectations and maintain a sustainable work pace.
Lack of training and guidance:
Day-to-day work can be frustrating, as you’re often expected to handle tasks you’ve never done before with little to no support. There’s an unspoken expectation to “figure it out,” even when processes are unclear or completely new.
Inconsistency across teams:
Different teams operate in entirely different ways. What’s considered good or acceptable in one team may not meet the standards of another, making expectations unclear and difficult to navigate.
Uneven progression and recognition:
Opportunities for progression don’t feel equally accessible. A core group appears to receive the majority of recognition and advancement, while others delivering solid work are overlooked.
Limited support from specialist teams:
Communication can be slow or non-existent, with messages and emails often going unanswered. This creates delays and leaves you without the support you need to move work forward.
Poor office environment:
The office is too small for the number of employees expected to attend. Without booking a desk, you may end up working on a hard bench. Despite the lack of space, there is still pressure to be in the office.
Furniture is outdated and sometimes broken — chairs may be missing parts or lack proper adjustability, impacting comfort and wellbeing
