Stuck in Firefighting Mode – Some Good People, But Culture Needs Serious Work
Pros
Early Friday finish (1:30 PM), which helps with work-life balance. A few really talented and supportive colleagues make the day-to-day more manageable. Basic benefits like healthcare and a pension scheme are in place.
Cons
The company has been in constant firefighting mode - reacting to problems rather than planning ahead. No clear company direction, and little to no documentation or structure for projects. Lessons aren't captured, so mistakes tend to repeat. Very limited cross-team communication. People often work in silos, and there are no regular project meetings to align efforts. Management tends to lead with control rather than support. It can feel like you're being watched rather than guided. There's no proper HR function, which makes it hard to raise issues or feel heard. Personal development isn’t actively supported - you have to ask, and even then it may come with unspoken expectations. Several strong team members have left, mostly due to leadership behavior or lack of support. Culture has become very quiet and disconnected. No company-wide events, no bonuses, and not much sense of community.
