I joined Findmypast with enthusiasm, looking forward to contributing to a company that helps people connect with their history. Unfortunately, my experience was marred by a culture that, on the surface, presented itself as friendly but was anything but. Senior management operated with a distinct disconnect from the rest of the staff, often coming off as bullies rather than leaders. Suggestions were met with condescension, and there was a palpable air of favoritism that left many feeling undervalued and marginalized. Communication was another major issue; it was opaque at best. Decisions that affected our work were made in silos, and the trickle-down information was often too little, too late. This lack of transparency fueled a culture of uncertainty and stress among the teams. The workload was excessive, pushing employees to the brink without acknowledgment or support. The ‘always-on’ expectation led to burnout and a high turnover, which seemed to perpetuate a cycle of urgency and pressure rather than encouraging a sustainable pace and environment for growth. The touted ‘friendly’ culture felt orchestrated, with genuine camaraderie and team spirit being rare. Any dissent or feedback seemed to be quietly stifled, creating an environment where many felt they had to wear a mask to simply fit in. For those seeking a truly inclusive and nurturing workplace that values personal growth and open communication, I found Findmypast to be several steps behind. It was professionally disappointing, and I would advise prospective employees to consider these factors seriously before joining.