Working at Tombalek has been a truly nightmarish experience - Craftsman Tombalek Employee Review

1.0
20 June 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Free drinks and lunch plus free raw materials

Cons

This review aims to shed light on the numerous issues that plague this organization, which makes it an incredibly poor choice for anyone seeking a positive and fulfilling work environment. 1. Below-Average Salary: The remuneration at Tombalek is far below industry standards. Despite investing your time, effort, and skills into the company, you will find yourself struggling to make ends meet. The low wages are not commensurate with the responsibilities and dedication required for the job. 2. Megalomaniac and Narcissistic Boss: The boss at Tombalek is nothing short of a megalomaniac and a narcissist. He thrives on belittling and intimidating employees, particularly those who are more meek and vulnerable. His behavior creates an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, making it impossible to thrive in such a toxic work environment. 3. Discord Among Team Members: Rather than fostering teamwork and collaboration, the boss actively sows discord among team members. He pits employees against each other, promoting an unhealthy competition that undermines productivity and damages morale. This constant strife further adds to the already toxic workplace atmosphere. 4. Exploitative Work Practices: Tombalek has a complete disregard for employee rights. Overtime work is not compensated, despite it being a regular occurrence. On top of that, employees are frequently coerced into staying late to clean up or attend last-minute meetings, cutting into their personal time and disrupting work-life balance. 5. Unsafe Workshop Conditions: The workshop at Tombalek is a hazard in itself. It fails to meet basic safety requirements, putting employees' well-being at risk. The constant presence of ceramic dust, sawdust, and metal dust creates a perpetually unhealthy and dusty environment, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns. 6. Bullying and Micromanagement: The boss takes pleasure in picking on employees' weaknesses, constantly reminding them of their shortcomings. Moreover, he exhibits an insatiable desire to micromanage every aspect of the job, leaving employees feeling suffocated and stripped of autonomy. He even goes to the extent of meddling in their personal lives, crossing the boundaries of professionalism. 7. Lack of Benefits and Medical Coverage: Tombalek exhibits a total disregard for the well-being of its employees. There are no medical benefits provided, leaving employees to bear the burden of healthcare expenses. Additionally, taking sick leave is met with unpaid leave, placing further financial strain on the already underpaid workforce. 8. Ignoring Notice Period: To add to the long list of grievances, it is important to highlight that at Tombalek, the concept of a notice period is merely an illusion. Despite the employment contract clearly stating the required notice period, the boss conveniently disregards this provision. If an employee decides to quit, they are not allowed to serve the notice period, further demonstrating the boss's complete lack of respect for the rights and obligations outlined in the contract. 9. Lack of Proper Standards: Tombalek operates without any semblance of proper standards or protocols. The absence of defined guidelines and procedures adds to the chaos and confusion within the organization. This lack of structure permeates every aspect of the job, making it incredibly challenging to maintain consistency and quality in work output. The issues of disregarding the notice period and the absence of proper standards only further underscore the blatant disregard for professionalism and legal obligations exhibited by Tombalek. It is crucial for potential employees to be aware of these additional concerns, as they highlight the overall dysfunction and disregard for basic employment norms within the organization. In conclusion, working at Tombalek has been an incredibly demoralizing and degrading experience. The combination of a below-average salary, an egotistical and manipulative boss, a toxic work culture, and numerous exploitative practices make it abundantly clear that this is a job to avoid at all costs. I strongly advise prospective employees to seek employment elsewhere, where their skills and dedication will be appreciated and rewarded appropriately.

Explore other reviews about Tombalek

1.0
22 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Probably one of the only places in Singapore you can learn glassblowing and blacksmithing - Free lunch - Can work on your own projects after company time (Albeit senior workers need to be present or around)

Cons

Most problems with the company stem from the boss and how he runs his company. -Boss is extremely impatient and likes to play the blame game when you make honest mistakes. - Will say you can ask him any question but when you genuinely try to clarify, will mock you. - Likes to make very unprofessional jokes and remarks, often belittling you and at your expense - Will often gaslight you when you told him he told you ______. Displays clear frustration and anger when you try to talk about it with him. - Safety for the workshop is a joke. There was supposed to be an exercise for a fire emergency in December of 2025, I left a few months after that. To this day I don't know if they have ever had that exercise. Cancer causing materials with silica dust are openly left next to workshop attendees and instructors. - Instructors are stretched thin. Boss tries to overstretch maximum number of - The booking system in place is unreliable. Many times there will be random people showing up for a workshop that is not reflected in the schedule. So you are left to try and squeeze them into a slot when you are already over the max capacity of students to take.

1
1.0
10 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. Lunch and drinks provided. 2. Access to workshop space and materials for personal projects. 3. Fast learning due to exposure to a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. 4. Access to diverse tools and materials because of small team size.

Cons

1. Management style is dismissive and controlling. - Leadership communicates in ways that feel belittling or discouraging. - Micromanagement, shifting blame, and frequent lectures on meeting standards make motivation difficult. - Staff often feel undervalued, overlooked, and frustrated. 2. Unpredictable work environment. -Daily operations are heavily influenced by management’s moods and reactions. -Small missteps or miscommunications can create tension for the entire day, leaving staff “walking on eggshells.” 3. Excessive workload impacts quality. - The number of classes offered exceeds the team’s capacity. - Instructors often manage multiple disciplines and large classes alone, resulting in rushed sessions and inconsistent guidance. - Staff workloads make it difficult to meet expectations despite effort and skill. 4. Morale is low and burnout is common. -High workload combined with dismissive communication erodes morale quickly. -Staff frequently experience exhaustion, frustration, and thoughts of leaving. 5. Workshop safety and maintenance are inadequate. -Equipment often has temporary fixes rather than proper repairs. -Heavy machinery is stored unsafely, ventilation is poor, and dust and debris accumulate. -Flammable materials are sometimes placed near heat sources. Safety and hygiene standards fall below acceptable levels for a customer-facing workshop. 6. Administrative processes are disorganized. -HR, scheduling, accounting, and general decision-making rely heavily on a single point of leadership. -Frequent errors, miscommunication, and operational inefficiencies are common. 7. Financial and operational inconsistencies. -The company is not profitable, despite social media portraying success. -Cost-cutting affects materials, maintenance, and staffing, while class offerings remain excessive. -Supplies are often over-purchased or mismanaged. Public appearances of success do not reflect the internal reality of overwork, low morale, and financial strain. 8. Lack of meaningful recognition or rewards. -Bonuses are non-existent and effort often goes unnoticed. -Hard work is rarely appreciated, creating a culture of frustration and burnout. Summary: Most challenges stem from leadership style, operational inefficiencies, financial instability, and excessive workload. The environment is emotionally and physically demanding, with low morale, safety issues, and poor recognition. What is portrayed publicly on social media does not match the internal reality. For those seeking supportive leadership, a safe workspace, and sustainable workload, this organization may not meet those needs.

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