Pros
Yes, there is a friendly dog in the office and no, the owner does not use the dog to look down people’s shirts. I’ve worked with this employee for a very long time and I know that’s not something he’d do. You can develop a lot of skills to take along with you to your future endeavours such as communication skills, client relations, diffusing difficult situations, etc. You also learn what kind of employer NOT to work for.
Cons
As mentioned, I’ve work here for many years so I’ve heard and seen many things. When we had problems finding new staff (whom would stay), the owner asked the staff if we knew anyone who is looking for a job and none of us said yes. I would never recommend any of my friends or family to work at this place. Not even enemies. I think over the duration of my employment, I’ve seen upwards of 20+ people leave this place; some worked for a few days and learn the job isn’t for them, some work for a few hours, go for lunch and never return, some who worked there for years and then leave because they don’t feel valued as an employee. I remember one employee who worked there for maybe 2 years came into work, made a phone call to a client, brought a package up to reception for a client to pick up and then left without saying anything. Prior to that incident, that employee unintentionally broke the work phone when slamming the receiver down after a heated call with a client. The owner docked the pay as reimbursement for the broken phone, so the employee got fed up. If you are not aware, it is illegal for employers to make deductions for broken equipment. The owner is violating in many labour laws; illegally docking pay, if you’re sick and need to stay home, there are NO sick days. It will be deducted from your vacation days (the owner’s reasoning is that the company is way too small, hence an “exemption” to follow labour regulations. There is no HR and those company mandates about employee safety, harassment, etc. posted in the kitchen is simply for show. Also, if the owner doesn’t like you, she will show it. She won’t fire you, but she’ll make your time there a living hell to the point that you quit, because there are possible liabilities in firing than someone quitting. The Ministry of Labour have contacted the company a few times, which the owner have tried to avoid the face-to-face meetings with them. It’s true that the office has an negative vibe the moment the owner goes in a bad mood, whether it’s personal or work issues. You feel it in the air, and no one wants to be the brunt of whatever is bothering the owner. It is also true that the office isn’t as professional as it should be; employees shouldn’t have to listen to personal phone calls or have family members come in to the office to air grievances. The pay is peanuts compare to the work you do and considering the toxic work environment, there are no incentives to work in such negative environment when you’re paid at minimum wage with no benefits. There is no room for advancement because the company is way too small and not willing to grow. It’s always going to be stuck the way it is because the owner’s mindset of operating a business is old-fashioned. The only advancement that may happen is from broker to senior broker (no difference in the job description for both roles, it is merely a title), but no salary raise. I would not recommend anyone to work for this company. If you’re looking for a job, don’t work for this company even if you’re in desperate of a job. You’ll end up looking for a new job in a few days anyways. So know your worth, your salary expectation, etc. Work for a company that values the work you do and values you as an employee.