Touchstone Education Reviews

Note the timing of all the positive reviews on this forum, coinciding with an HR-led initiative incentivising employees to share feedback for a raffle prize. While it is not possible to list every concern, this review will focus on highlighting the most prominent issues for consideration. Staff Turnover: Numerous local recruitment agencies have opted not to collaborate with Touchstone Education due to concerns regarding high staff turnover and negative feedback received from candidates they have placed there. This indicates a recurring pattern that needs attention. Departing employees have cited several factors for leaving, including work-life balance concerns, managerial treatment, and challenges related to mental health. A significant portion of the workforce comprises graduates and young professionals, as experienced professionals who join the company quickly discern that the work environment deviates from the norm and choose not to endure such conditions. Frequent Change in Direction: There is a noticeable pattern of adopting new "mindsets" on a monthly basis, often influenced by paid mentorship from various online gurus. These sudden shifts in direction result in constant changes to strategies and approaches, which can be disruptive to the progress and stability of the company. The frequent changes in mindset and strategies have a detrimental impact on the overall progress of the company. It often leads to confusion, lack of clarity, and a sense of instability among employees. Trust: There is a prevalent issue of breached confidentiality. Information shared in confidence often circulates throughout the workplace within a short timeframe. It is concerning to observe that a significant portion of gossip originates from within the management team itself. A recurring issue is the tendency of managers to take credit for the work accomplished by their staff. Unrealistic Deadlines and Results: There is a notable absence of analytical forecasting practices. This lack of data-driven planning and projection leads to the establishment of unrealistic deadlines and targets. The decision-making process seems to be driven by the greed of the board of directors. This can manifest in setting overly ambitious goals without considering the feasibility or impact on employees' well-being. The pursuit of short-term gains and financial success may overshadow the importance of establishing realistic deadlines and sustainable performance expectations. Lack of Employee Involvement in Decision-Making: There is a prevailing top-down decision-making approach where the board of directors instructs senior managers without engaging in meaningful discussion or considering alternative viewpoints. This hierarchical structure limits employee involvement in the decision-making process, resulting in a lack of employee empowerment and control over important matters. This lack of employee involvement has resulted in reduced morale, decreased job satisfaction, and limited opportunities for innovation and growth. Modified Bonus Structure and Transparency: It is crucial for candidates to be mindful of recent changes to the bonus structure implemented in January 2023. These modifications have resulted in a notable reduction in potential earnings for employees. Therefore, it is advisable not to solely rely on the company's claim of a "good bonus." Dull Work Environment and Lack of Staff Presence: The work environment often lacks vibrancy and fails to cultivate a sense of enthusiasm among employees. The overall atmosphere may be characterised as dull, lacking creativity and energy. A notable issue is the absence of staff in the office. This lack of presence can contribute to a sense of isolation and detachment, making it challenging to foster a collaborative and engaging workplace culture. Communication: The use of WhatsApp for communication can become burdensome due to the sheer volume of messages, making it challenging to keep up. The frequency and nature of meetings can be overwhelming. There is a tendency for meetings about meetings, pre-meeting briefings, and post-meeting catch-ups, which can create a sense of inefficiency. This becomes especially prominent for individuals in management roles, as they may find themselves consumed by meetings, leaving little time for tangible progress. There is a prevalent inclination towards extensive discussions rather than taking decisive action. This can create a perception that tasks are not being accomplished effectively, as more emphasis is placed on verbal exchanges rather than execution. Ethical and Moral Concerns: The courses offered by the company appear target the less fortunate, preying on their aspirations for financial improvement. This often leads to customers investing their entire savings or taking out a loan in pursuit of the promise of rapid wealth accumulation within a short timeframe. This not only places immense financial strain on vulnerable families but also raises questions about the ethical responsibility of Touchstone Education. Many customers who discover the quality of the products fail to meet expectations are left disheartened, only to encounter further hurdles. The unclear terms and conditions, often undisclosed during the sales process, lead to rejected refund requests. Such practices heighten the financial burden on those who can least afford it and underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in business operations. Low Quality of Building and Amenities: The quality of the building and its facilities is notably below expectations. Issues such as outdated infrastructure, insufficient maintenance, or inadequate facilities create a subpar working environment. Furthermore, the absence or inadequacy of quality amenities for staff further contributes to a less-than-optimal work experience.