Unsafe, dehumanising workplace with bullying, harassment, and performative - Cleaner Downer Employee Review

1.0
15 Jan 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some colleagues on the ground were kind and respectful. Overall: I do not recommend this workplace to anyone who values psychological safety, dignity, or being treated as a human being rather than a problem to be managed. The lack of accountability around bullying, harassment, and employee wellbeing created an environment where harm was normalised and care was only performative.

Cons

• Bullying and harassment from supervisors, including being publicly undermined and spoken to in humiliating ways • Sexual humiliation and degrading assumptions were made about my intentions in the workplace, rather than addressing the actual issue I raised while trying to do my job • I was called a liar when reporting what happened, despite acting in good faith and following procedure • When I was grieving and needed to attend a funeral, I was shamed and punished rather than supported • Requests for help or clarification were treated as personal failings instead of opportunities for training or support • HR response was performative, focused on protecting the organisation rather than employee safety or accountability • Concerns about wellbeing and safety were minimised, reframed, or redirected back onto me instead of being addressed • The overall culture felt dehumanising, with a strong tendency to blame workers rather than examine supervision, systems, or conditions • There was no genuine accountability when harm occurred, which made the workplace feel unsafe

Explore other reviews about Downer

5.0
26 Sept 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits and support services

Cons

No so good benefits and support services

5.0
23 Apr 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great group of employees, vehicle usually provided to Site Engineers after 1-2 years of employment if you are site-based A lot of offices in New Zealand to be able to move around

Cons

Big company - usually little say on your next job/posting

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