Pros
Majority of colleagues outside the management structure were knowledgeable, friendly, and knew little of the behind-the-scenes.
Cons
Promote a misleading narrative - promise 'something different' to young workers who don't always know better, which creates an environment in which these people can be exploited with unfavourable terms and conditions, not knowing they could potentially have it much better elsewhere. Felt like well-intentioned criticism or resistance to certain methods was stifled and hushed, such that those who didn't obediently 'fall in line' were pressured to do so at risk of damaging their career. If you don't quickly fit into the predetermined mould, there's not much hope for a long career. Little chance of compromise from the side of the company. Almost cult-like level of social involvement was exhibited, to the extent of suggestions that personal relationships should be altered to better suit the business. Management seem to exhibit an obsessive need for control - excessive micromanagement of things like time in office versus working from home, 'office etiquette', and other such topics. Felt at times like if everything was going smoothly, problems would be invented in order to justify the need for as much management. There is always somebody listening in on your conversations, and you will be chastised for saying the wrong thing - however innocuous. Antiquated and inadequate attitude from management towards mental health and wellbeing in the workplace - it's not really something they seemed bothered about. Avoided using established disciplinary or grievance procedures, on the grounds that 'we just talk to each other'. In practice this could be used to circumvent the expectation of evidence or reason for applying a punitive measure or dismissing someone. Narratives around remuneration and company decisions seemed manipulated in such a way to mislead or misdirect the attention of the employees - created the sense that there was often something extra that wasn't being said. Remuneration package was very low compared to comparable companies, and the alleged environmental benefits were not as promised. Would personally discourage young workers (such as recent graduates) from working here - lack of experience in common working practice as well as lesser knowledge of employment rights could leave you vulnerable to exploitation.
