The most uninspiring place I've ever had the displeasure of working - Technical Developer Reading Room Employee Review

1.0
4 Apr 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I left, that is all!

Cons

Senior Management team are clueless and limp. To many distinctly average members of staff, with inflated ego's, who are in turn given comedy job titles, such a "director", just to keep them. The majority of good people leave. Not sure why the handful of good ones (you can count them on one hand) remain? The lack of technical understanding throughout the whole company is shocking. Cutting edge, that's a joke! Risk Adverse Change Adverse Stuck in the dark ages in terms of process and management Awful working conditions - the office may be nice and shiny, however, the treatment of their staff stinks the place out No work/life balance - be prepared to be forced, not asked, to work out of hours all the time for no acknowledge or payback of any sorts. High pressure for no reward Be prepared to be thrown to the dogs anytime something goes wrong, even if it's not your fault and you've just done what you were asked. Be prepared for the same people to take the credit for your work when things go well and draw any sort of attention. Employ too many graduates, who have no idea, and then give them no support Extremely high turnover of staff, worst I've seen The benefits package is salary sacrifice! Little to no pension contribution (1%) The place is riddled with rumours and gossip CEO only shows up for meetings with the bank and spends most of the time drunk How much alcohol you can drink seems to be of more value than how hard you work. I'm not one to post things like this in the public domain, however, the score for Reading Room on this site is definitely not a true reflection of the working conditions. I feel it is important people should know what they're getting into before they make the mistake of applying or accepting a job here.

Explore other reviews about Reading Room

4.0
9 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I genuinely had a good experience at Reading Room with all the colleagues and clients and pleased to be in contact with many after leaving the team for a new role. The work is varied and interesting. There are always unknown opportunities depending on what plans new and existing clients bring.

Cons

It can be a very full and complex workload for the project managers. They take a few knocks at times. I hope the leadership is building them up. There job should be able to lead with authority. Software development always has its unknowns. Sometimes the work is understood, there has to be a better way of explaining that to clients and managing the expectations.

5.0
12 Dec 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- great client relationships and good work opportunities - positive team atmosphere even in the harder times - flexible approach and trust in people

Cons

- the work can be really demanding - you need to be good at context switching - benefits/holidays aren't as good as at my last place

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All