Pros
Despite my very long and negative experience, what i will say is.. they’re working on it.. I’ll give you an example below but before i do that i want to emphasise that people from a ethnic minority, don’t be a test for them, let them figure it out, let them get a inclusivity and diversity manager or something and then give them a chance, unless of course, you’re a coco… or don’t have much to strive for. Anyway moving on swiftly.. SilverDoor’s high turnover of staff appears to be linked to the array of challenges outlined in the cons: The discrepancy between promised wages and the actual work environment, the entrenched micromanagement practices, the outdated workplace culture, the repetitive nature of tasks, coupled with the expectation to attend work events that incur personal expenses and potential late hours, has likely worn down the workforce. The company’s response to a surge in negative Glassdoor reviews is attempt at an “anonymous” complaints service in which staff anonymously write their complaints to a third party website and it is fed back to HR. This proactive measure suggests an awareness of shortcomings and a recognition that employees may be hesitant to voice their concerns openly. It also makes me think, how many complaints really are there for HR to go through such a measure? On the bright side they’re working on it and we’ll give them their flowers for attempting to recover the company’s internal reputation. Additional pros: You don’t need to be skilled or knowledgable, it’s the definition of entry level. Some may be the perfect race, gender and personality to fit a “silverdoorian” it’s a very specific and robotic personality type, if you love football or you’re just really quiet and robotic it’ll definitely put you in front of a few people that have been there for years for a promotion, company events and nice office in both locations, you’ll get free food sometimes.
Cons
Working at SilverDoor, I encountered concerning patterns that significantly impacted the workplace environment. Individuals may experience instances of perceived racism, sexism, and discrimination, creating an atmosphere that is not always inclusive or respectful. However, before we get to that, let’s start with the salary. There is a discrepancy between the promised pay and the reality of the work environment. While the company boasts about enticing bonuses, the actual salary did not align with the pressure and micromanagement experienced on a daily basis. The job, centered around simply booking apartments, was presented as way more complex and vital than it truly was in the broader professional landscape. The repetitiveness of tasks, from making the exact same phone calls and sending the exact same emails daily, created a sense of monotony that made the work seem far less substantial than the demands placed on employees. Micromanagement reached such granular levels that even lunch breaks need to be discussed and delegated by managers. Despite the seemingly low complexity of the job, the company expected attendance at work events in various areas of London. While these events only benefit the company and their exposure, they required personal expense for transportation, with no reimbursement from the company. Attending these events was not merely an option; it often felt mandatory, as opting out could severely jeopardize your chances of promotion. This expectation, coupled with events occasionally stretching into late hours or involving post-event activities such as clubbing, created an additional burden on employees’ personal time and resources, making the offered pay even less attractive. Secondly, the traditional nature of the workplace culture, coupled with a potential lack of understanding or accommodation for diverse values and backgrounds, could make it challenging for ethnic minorities to fully integrate and thrive at Silverdoor. There’s a noticeable adherence to outdated workplace dynamics reminiscent of the 1900s. The company’s culture, possibly influenced by its founder and current CEO, might be perceived as clinging to traditional norms. It’s crucial for individuals from diverse backgrounds to carefully consider whether SilverDoor’s workplace dynamics align with their values and expectations, especially concerning inclusivity and promotion opportunities. The office culture appeared immature, with a tendency towards favoritism in promotions. Advancement opportunities seemed to be more about personal connections than skills or job proficiency. Despite the job not requiring specialized skills, employees were still micromanaged and made to feel inadequate. This pressure, coupled with the idea that you life revolves around SilverDoor and serviced apartments, could create an environment where individuals might struggle to meet unrealistic expectations. This could be disheartening for those seeking career growth based on merit rather than subjective factors. During my time at Silverdoor i approached HR regarding my concerns and I encountered challenges in seeking assistance from the HR department. It seemed that expressing concerns was met with resistance rather than the expected support. The approach towards employees with concerns appeared to be dismissive, potentially making individuals feel as though they were being labeled as part of the problem rather than receiving the help they sought. I observed a workplace culture that thrives on gossip, socializing after work, and occasional excessive drinking. This dynamic may not align with everyone’s professional expectations, and those who prefer a more modern and focused work environment may find it challenging. i believe this is also linked to the fact that a considerable portion of management had been with the company for over 5 years. It was apparent that for many managers, this was their first job and perhaps the only professional environment they knew. Unfortunately, this long tenure appeared to contribute to a sense of robotic adherence to the established culture, which leaned towards toxicity. Managers seemed content with micro-management and often engaged in actions primarily for show, aiming to elevate their own image while potentially undermining their colleagues. The nature of the workplace, where individuals had spent the entirety of their professional lives, raised concerns about a lack of exposure to diverse work cultures and an understanding of what might be considered normal in a contemporary professional setting. The company culture, is rooted in outdated norms and seemed to foster discrimination rather than progress. On a positive note, the reason why i can now reflect on how disgusting and toxic my time at Silverdoor was is because I've found happiness in my new professional journey. I've transitioned into an elevated position within a team that genuinely celebrates diversity, not as a mere formality tied to public holidays or quotas but as an integral part of their culture. In this environment, I've experienced true inclusivity, free from micromanagement or discrimination. I'm grateful and want to let anybody looking to Silverdoor for a job know that i understand the job hunt is long and hard, but, do not do it to yourself, especially if you are apart of a ethnic minority. I promise you there are better spaces for you and your growth out there, just persevere.