- The board and Senior leadership, specifically the CEO, are running the business with outdated practices reminiscent of the 1990s- including drunken happy hours with toxic behaviors and 'all-inclusive trips.' The frat energy still runs high with incentive trips, happy hours, and 'company days,' where drinking starts at 9:30 AM. Employees who struggle with substance misuse or addiction are rarely or not thought of or considered for the majority of office-based events.
- The bloated Senior Management in Sales oversees near-empty offices (the company went through 3 rounds of downsizing- which has been routinely phrased as "removing employees who weren't performing" (Not say market conditions or poor KPIs)
- For nearly all of 2023 and parts of 2024, the CEO restricted communications unrelated to sales, including wellbeing, ED and I celebrations, or observances. The company has tried to unite its diversity, well-being, and sustainability programs, but the Board's detachment from its project timelines, without any communication to the employees, is a clear sign of the need for more transparency in decision-making.
Benefits- great if you're under 26, don't have children, have a chronic condition, or require counseling/therapy. Time off will not include all US bank holidays (Veterans, Indigenous People's Day, or Juneteenth-- despite boasting a strong employee diversity group). Retirement (via Vanguard) is negligible, and no 401k or match exists. Pet insurance is available, as well as additional insurance plans not covered by the employer. A hybrid policy is in place but varies from office to office and brand to brand.
If you work in operations, your bonus (calculated into the salary number presented at your time of offer) is embedded in your salary and contingent on the performance of the Sales department. I have received this bonus once as the company has yet to be able to deliver during my tenure based on COMPANY financials.
The compensation structure for non-sales employees, regardless of their physical location, severely lacks quality wages. Last year, pay rises were "awarded" to 'match' inflation, and cost-of-living increases were given to individuals, not regions, and it's unclear how these decisions were made. What's certain is that not every employee received this increase, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
-The CEO's communication style is a significant concern. His lack of preparation for our 'all-hands meetings' (which usually get sent out on a Friday afternoon, causing anxiety all weekend) clearly indicates the disconnect between his approach and the company's needs. When the CEO answered questions at our most recent all-hands meeting, his tone was flippant and yo-yo'ed from his alleged commitment to bonuses. I have never met someone who can say so much while saying nothing at all when addressing a group of employees-- again, he doesn't prepare or think ahead.
-The company's culture has tried desperately to shift without success, unrealizing the toxicity of middle managers and senior sales staff they continue to promote. Titlesare for time and billing, not your overall success as a consultant if you're in sales. I personally did not find the office culture to be welcoming, and I could see how anyone who's not a white guy would feel hesitant about bringing their true selves to work.
- The company's efforts to source and retain diverse talent are abysmal. The diversity I encounter is most evident in our brands' stock images.
