The work environment often felt toxic and inconsistent. Leadership frequently communicated that they supported and cared about employees, but their actions did not always reflect those statements. There was a noticeable disconnect between the company’s messaging and the day-to-day employee experience.
While events for holidays, Pride Month, Valentine’s Day, and other celebrations may be well-intentioned, they did not address the deeper workplace concerns. Employee appreciation should go beyond themed activities or surface-level gestures. Employees want to feel trusted, respected, and treated like professional adults.
In my experience, the focus on these types of events felt more like a distraction than genuine support. A truly supportive workplace would prioritize clear communication, accountability, fair treatment, trust, and meaningful action over performative efforts. Until those areas are addressed, the culture can feel more like appearance than substance.