Rotten culture disguised as opportunity - Content 29Studios Employee Review

1.0
26 June 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None that outweigh the overwhelming negatives.

Cons

Promises made during onboarding like reward schemes were quietly scrapped or never delivered. There’s no recognition or appreciation for hard work. Expectations are sky-high, but there are no benefits or incentives in return. Work-life balance is non-existent. The culture expects you to treat the job like a personal mission, with little regard for boundaries. The working environment is outdated and poorly maintained, it's hard to believe clients are invited in. Management culture is toxic and often hostile, with poor communication and erratic decision-making. Client work suffers due to an over-reliance on AI, leading to impersonal, low-quality results. Staff turnover is extremely high, which speaks volumes. People leave quickly after realising the reality doesn't match the pitch. You're unlikely to find support or stability here. Many former employees share the same experience, it's a pattern, not an exception.

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29Studios Response
12mo
Thank you for your feedback. We’re disappointed to read such a negative review, and while we respect your right to share your experience, we believe this description mischaracterises both our culture and our commitment to our team and clients. 29studios is a fast-paced, high-performance environment where we expect a lot — because we are building something ambitious. That level of focus, energy, and drive isn’t for everyone, and we’re transparent about that from day one. We value creativity, ownership, and results, and we stand by the work we produce and the clients we serve. That said, we’re not above feedback. We continuously refine our processes, communication, and culture, and we care deeply about the people who grow with us. Many of our team members have been with us for years and take pride in what we achieve together. We reject the suggestion of a “toxic” environment — it’s an unfair generalisation that doesn’t reflect the reality of the business we’ve built or the talented team driving it forward. We wish you all the best in finding a company that aligns with your values and approach. Gillian O'Neil

Explore other reviews about 29Studios

5.0
9 July 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Have worked here for many years and have always been encouraged to strive for success and to be accountable for my contribution. The culture has always been empowering and the business is, like many agencies of a high impact nature. It is a family business and you are made to feel valued and part of the companies success. This is a company that appreciates your input and rewards accordingly. Lots of travel opportunities and working with a world class global client base which many agencies struggle to achieve. The company seems now to be focused on quality senior talent rather than junior employees. The culture is more mature and more fitting for people who take their career seriously. This is reflective in the company culture.

Cons

There has been some junior team members that didn't stay long. The company try to give young people opportunities but it often backfires on them. A few bad and short term employees left and then took to Glassdoor with negativity, frustrating as this was not the reality in this company.

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29Studios Response
11mo
Thank you for your thoughtful review — it means a lot to hear from someone who has experienced the journey with us over time. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built: one that empowers individuals, encourages accountability, and rewards meaningful contribution. As you’ve noted, our evolution over the years has helped shape a more mature, focused environment — one that attracts senior-level talent and delivers high-impact results for a world-class client base. We also appreciate your honesty about the challenges we’ve faced in nurturing junior team members. While we remain committed to giving opportunities to emerging talent, we’ve learned that success requires the right mindset, resilience, and alignment with our fast-paced, high-standard environment. Thanks again for your continued commitment and for being a valued part of the 29ERS team. We’ll keep building — together. — Gillian O'Neil
5.0
28 July 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I joined 29studios six years ago as a Project Executive. Today, I’m the Account Director. That alone should tell you how much this company believes in growing its people. Over the years, I’ve not only grown my role but have had the incredible opportunity to represent 29studios across the world, in Europe, America, and China. The trust and confidence the leadership showed in me to go out and represent the business on a global stage is something I’ll never take for granted. The culture here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It’s collaborative, supportive, and growth-driven. If you’re someone who wants to learn, progress, and take ownership, this is a place where no one holds you back. You will be championed, but you’ve got to be ready to step up. What stands out most is the innovation. 29studios is constantly ahead of the curve, exploring and adopting new technologies before they hit the mainstream, so our clients can lead rather than follow. From creative tech to AI and virtual platforms like Apple Vision Pro, the future here feels limitless. That said, it’s not just about the work, it’s the people. The team here is filled with the most inspiring, kind, and driven individuals I’ve ever worked with. People who genuinely want to help you grow, and who celebrate each other’s success. Of course, I’ve faced challenges and made mistakes over the years. But those moments were always handled fairly and with a mindset of growth. Feedback is valued. Your voice matters. That’s been one of the most important lessons for me, to speak up, contribute, and always look to add value. If you’re considering joining, be ready to own your role. Be willing to learn, work hard, and take responsibility for your journey. If you’re confident, curious, and hungry to grow, you’ll thrive. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to love what you do and bring your full self to the table.

Cons

Expectations are high, and you’re encouraged to always be improving. That can feel demanding, but it also means you’re constantly progressing and learning.

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29Studios Response
11mo
Thank you so much for this incredible review, it means a great deal to hear your journey told with such honesty, clarity, and heart. We’re proud of your growth from Project Manager to Account Director, and even prouder of the mindset you’ve brought to that journey. Your words capture what we aim to build at 29studios: a culture where people are trusted, challenged, supported, and truly given the opportunity to shine, locally and globally. You’ve highlighted exactly what we believe in: ownership, innovation, and human connection. Yes, expectations are high, but as you said, so is the belief in every individual who chooses to grow with us. Thank you for being such a valued part of the 29ERS and for helping shape the future of our business and culture. Gillian O'Neil, Founder & COO
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