There is no training on offer for learning and development soft skills which for a company of this size is completely unacceptable given the number of talented individuals working there. The culture in the UK is heavily influenced by the Belgium culture and compared to other UK FMCG companies, it isn’t offering a UK market competitive package (ie lack of any mental health support, flexible working, work life balance, private medical, parental leave) and there is a real hierarchical feel (UK managing directors sit in their offices separate from everyone else). There is a fear of the senior management at Lotus (Natural Foods) which spreads through the UK offices via a feeling of micro management and lack of autonomy/trust. Majority of people are overworked and expected to cover vacancies whilst being expected to take on more projects. No project managers in place so everyone is expected to project manage on top of their day job. People are not seen as an important resource unfortunately. In all decisions, profit is the key driver (not people or sustainability). There is no sense of cohesion across the business areas (lack of regular dialogue on company performance etc). Numerous forums to update the senior management (down-up) and a lack of forums for communications top-down. Consequently can be quite a demotivating and silo’d environment to work in.
