Tombalek Reviews

2.8

36% would recommend to a friend

(8 total reviews)

36% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

8 reviews
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.

1.0
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.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 8 Reviews

Glassdoor has 11 Tombalek reviews submitted anonymously by Tombalek employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Tombalek is right for you.