Interesting people, totally chaotic management - Senior Consultant Mumsnet Employee Review

2.0
15 Nov 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some really clever and interesting people, good part time and flexible options and the website itself is fascinating -- all life is there, good and bad!

Cons

Super place to work if you're starting out or returning to work and need flexible hours. Basically all good as long as you stay under the radar. If you are management level or directly responsible for delivering results then beware. Shifting priorities, unrealistic targets with minimal resources, sudden about turns on strategy without consultation and clear favouritism from the CEO mean a high turnover of senior staff who feel ignored or undermined and sometimes worse. Mumsnet is run like a private company -- this means the CEO dictates the culture.

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Mumsnet Response
8y
Hi - thanks for taking the time to review - it's helpful for us to be aware of these issues. Mumsnet is growing at a really fast pace and that means that we're constantly updating and evolving what we're trying to do. We work really hard to try and make sure all staff understand and are involved in what we're doing and where we're going - regular all-staff presentations and discussions, involving all staff in target-setting etc - but we recognise that we might not always get this right. It'd be really helpful to get more specific information about the issues you raise so we can correct them - you can do so anonymously here https://goo.gl/forms/LG3gxmzxh3k4k4XX2

Explore other reviews about Mumsnet

3.0
16 May 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mumsnet is a nice place to work with some great people Friendly environment Interesting business to work for

Cons

Underpaid for the work you do Career progressions isn't clear

2.0
5 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance is great until its changed for no legitimate reason. Great to work for a company that has a real world impact on parents and specific womens issues. Some great people on all the different teams who are great at their jobs and provide great support.

Cons

Management offers lip service to feedback and company values while failing to act on either. A bereaved team member was told any leave beyond one week would come out of annual leave a stark example of the disconnect between Mumsnet's public image and internal reality for staff. Culture is cliquey and siloed, with playground dynamics between teams and bad behaviour routinely ignored when flagged. Confidence is actively knocked through micromanagement, diary monitoring, and a CRO who publicly calls out sales staff for childcare issues. No real progression, no meaningful training, and proactive ideas are stamped out. The bonus scheme is confusing, changes frequently, and sits well below industry standard. Mandatory socials and WFH register-taking add to the controlled atmosphere. The overall environment feels cult-like particularly around senior leadership.

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