Pros
- Job Security
- Potential earnings
Cons
- Un-Supportive management and work culture
- Consistent issues with staff retainment leading to constantly increasing work loads
- expectation to work increasing amounts of hours and spend what little free time you have engaging in work related social events
- The company puts a heavy emphasis on the importance on the work culture being like a family. The result is to instead foster a culture in which you are expected to replace your life and family with work
- No encouragement for vertical movement or professional development. Promotions given on basis of ‘performance’ or ‘Personality’ and not employee skill or ability. ‘Performance’ targets were vague and not made clear during application processes. Promotions were given on basis of ‘personality’, often stated as whether you would ‘meld’ with other members of management or upper management. The reality of this seemed to be whether you engaged in the work social environment fully.
- During annual performance reviews, I questioned process of moving up or developing myself professionally and was advised that while I was capable and more than qualified, my appearance was “Too professional”, my attitude was too “uptight” and I needed to “chill out”.
- A widespread awareness and attitude of turning a blind eye to the rampant Drug and alcohol use amongst the staff, with Managers and top sales agents engaging in separate staff social events which often included inappropriate activities.
- The entire work culture and attitude to employees created an environment in which I saw most of my colleagues succumb to either mental illness or burnout, often ending in them reach ‘breaking point’ where they would be unable to attend work due to mental health issues for long periods of time, eventually they would leave for any other job.
- I frequently saw colleagues break down in tears or fits of rage at work.
