Would give 0 stars if I could - Admin Assistant Lemonade (UK) Employee Review

leaving the company was the best choice I made

My time at Lemonade was incredibly disappointing and, at times, distressing. What was promised during the interview—a supportive, professional workplace with opportunities for growth—turned out to be the opposite. There was no HR or proper management structure, which meant any concerns had to be brought directly to the owner, Laura. When I raised issues about the toxic atmosphere—where colleagues would regularly scream and swear at each other—her response was, “What would you like me to do about it?” Communication was poor, expectations were vague, and I was constantly asked to take on tasks outside of my role with no training or guidance. If I asked how to complete something, I was told to “use my initiative.” Laura often sent abrupt, aggressive emails in the middle of the night and contacted me on my personal phone for convenience, showing no respect for boundaries. Warehouse staff were frequently made to go to her house during work hours to do personal chores like cleaning and washing up. She also reduced staff hours suddenly and without notice, regardless of people’s financial commitments or responsibilities. The overall culture was toxic, unstable, and deeply unprofessional. I felt completely unsupported and undervalued throughout my time there.

Unfortunately, I did not experience any meaningful positives during my time at the company. While I initially hoped the role would offer growth and a supportive environment, the reality fell short of those expectations. I believe with significant changes in leadership and culture, the company could become a more positive place to work in the future.

My experience working at Love Lemonade, under the management of owner Laura Hope, was extremely disappointing and ultimately damaging to my wellbeing. While I joined with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic, the workplace culture quickly revealed itself to be toxic and unsupportive. Job roles were frequently misrepresented. I was promised one set of responsibilities, only to be pressured into taking on completely unrelated tasks—often personal errands for management. When I tried to set reasonable boundaries, my hours were cut despite having a full-time contract. This approach was not unique to me; I witnessed several team members being treated similarly, with high turnover being a regular issue. Most staff lasted only a few months, often leaving extremely unhappy and disillusioned. Communication was often hostile, with emails and messages that were unprofessional and at times threatening. Staff were spoken about negatively behind their backs, creating a culture of fear and mistrust. It became clear that this wasn’t a one-off experience—Laura Hope unfortunately has a poor reputation in the area for how she treats employees, and many who have worked there would advise others to avoid the company entirely. This experience had a serious impact on my mental health, and I needed time afterward to recover from the stress. I hope speaking out helps others make informed decisions and encourages a shift toward healthier, more respectful workplace practices in the future.