Psychological safety is extremely low. Raising valid concerns often leads to defensiveness, blame, or subtle retaliation rather than support. Employees quickly learn it is safer to stay silent than question decisions or call out issues.
HR does not operate independently or with employee wellbeing in mind. The function is embedded within finance rather than staffed by qualified HR professionals, resulting in limited support, capability, and impartiality when issues are raised. It largely protects leadership interests, and staff frequently feel unsafe reporting concerns, as issues are minimised or redirected rather than resolved.
Leadership is ego-driven and displays ongoing incompetence in communication, people management, and basic process obligations. Mistakes are common, accountability is pushed downward, and employees are often expected to correct management’s errors - including policy misinterpretations and overlooked compliance or entitlement obligations - which became a repeated expectation rather than an exception.
Policies and processes are applied inconsistently, with rules shifting depending on who is involved rather than what is fair or correct. Speaking up about questionable or unethical practices can result in sudden performance scrutiny or attempts to undermine credibility.
Decision-making prioritises internal optics and short-term self-preservation over ethics, employee wellbeing, or long-term brand health. Product quality and genuine innovation are not prioritised; the focus is on cost-cutting and volume, reflected in recent product recalls and declining customer trust. The customer care team receives little support or investment, and customer experience is viewed as a cost or interruption rather than a strategic priority - reflected in a reactive, minimal-effort approach to customer issues and feedback.
The office is sterile, low-energy, and located in an isolated business park with no surrounding amenities, social atmosphere, or modern workplace appeal. There is little effort to create a motivating, engaging, or contemporary workplace culture that attracts or retains talent.