Despite bold external messaging about inclusion, fairness, and people-first values, the internal reality often feels very different. The environment is increasingly toxic, with low morale and little sense of psychological safety. Staff work long hours to achieve the constantly changing priorities. Yet, are expected to be grateful to have a job rather than made to feel genuinely valued.
Progression tends to be based more on who you know and what clique you're part of than merit or capability. Development opportunities are rare and often quietly reserved for favourites. Some senior leaders visibly lack the skills or experience required for their roles, but nothing is done, leading to capable staff beneath them burning out or leaving.
Diversity is superficial at best. Representation exists mainly to tick boxes, with little effort made to create truly inclusive or equitable spaces. People from less traditional backgrounds, especially people of colour or working-class employees, are often overlooked or marginalised.
There's a strong focus on protecting the company image rather than addressing issues meaningfully. Concerns are listened to but rarely acted on, and poor behaviour from senior figures often goes unchecked.
On top of that, there is a glaring lack of change management. Shifts in direction are frequent but poorly communicated, leaving teams without clarity or purpose (especially with all the recurring annual redundancies). Strategy feels reactive rather than intentional.
Compensation is another ongoing pain point. Lower-level staff often receive minimal raises, while executives enjoy generous annual increases and high base salaries. Bonus targets are rarely, if ever, met in full—yet the rationale behind them remains vague, even in years of strong company performance.
