Pros
- A handful of genuinely talented and hardworking colleagues who made difficult days more bearable. - Some clients were fantastic to work with and deserved far better than the service culture that existed behind the scenes. - Occasional social events were enjoyable. - Thursdays in the City were often a highlight, and a group of us regularly enjoyed trips to The Folly and Eastcheap Records after work. - The business has the potential to be a genuinely great place to work if the underlying progress and cultural issues are addressed.
Cons
- Toxic masculinity and a culture where inappropriate behaviour was too often excused as “banter”. - Advisors openly mocking clients and making disparaging comments about people’s finances behind closed doors. - Inappropriate comments about female employees that were tolerated for far too long. - Favouritism and nepotism, creating the perception that opportunities were awarded based on relationships rather than merit. - Career progression based more on office politics than performance. - Being effectively trapped in a paraplanner role despite repeatedly expressing a desire to progress into a Financial Adviser position. - Commuting from afar, for this opportunity, the workplace culture came as a genuine shock. I expected a professional financial planning firm but instead encountered an environment where ego, bravado and office politics appeared to carry more weight than professionalism and competence. - Poor leadership and a lack of accountability when concerns were raised. - High staff turnover and poor morale. - A significant disconnect between the company’s stated values and employees’ day-to-day experiences. - Empty promises regarding development, progression and professional growth.
