It's worth noting that an internal email was sent around at the end of April addressing the negative Glassdoor reviews. Shortly after, a wave of positive reviews appeared. Draw your own conclusions. Look at the reviews in full to get the real picture.
The agency has changed significantly over the last two years. What was once a fun, thriving and supportive place to work has noticeably declined. Micromanagement is not just common, it is actively encouraged, and there is a very clear "stay quiet or face consequences" culture across many teams.
Despite directors claiming their door is open, meaningful conversation is rarely possible, particularly if your concerns involve someone they hold in high regard. Honest feedback doesn't land, it gets dismissed.
One-to-ones and reviews have fallen away entirely, and with them any real path to progression. Advancement is largely determined by who you know. There is a well-documented dynamic where the right social circle accelerates your career far more than your work does.
Raising concerns with HR or wider management does not lead to resolution. In many cases it works against you. Recognition goes to the loudest voice in the room, not necessarily the person doing the work. Hard work and late nights are expected as standard, and understaffing is treated as the employee's problem rather than a resourcing one.
The recent Head of People hire has not had the intended impact. Communications feel impersonal and AI generated, which has done little to rebuild trust or culture.
This was once a great agency to work at. Right now it is unrecognisable from that.