Empathy first and growth mindset - Anonymous employee Duarte Employee Review

5.0
Mar 13, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've been with this company for a while now, and it's been an awesome journey. The culture here really cares about each of us, and the fully remote setup means we can work from anywhere in the state. The benefits are great, and the pay is competitive with other small agencies. There are plenty of chances to grow your career organically, and we're encouraged to play to our strengths. The focus on self-awareness and valuing what each person brings to the table is truly unique. Our Agency works on stunningly beautiful creative projects that make a real difference for our clients, and the methodology taught in our Academy has helped not only our clients, but many of us improve our careers and lives. Plus, working with big-name clients and some of the smartest, most creative people around is a huge bonus.

Cons

Every business has it's challenges. challenges. Financial recovery after the pandemic has been slow. In a small business, you end up wearing a lot of hats, which can ultimately be a great learning experience. The focus on performance means everyone has to pull their weight. There are some really busy periods of the year, but overall, things balance out over the year, making it manageable and the company does a good job prioritizing balance.

Explore other reviews about Duarte

5.0
Apr 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I had an excellent onboarding experience at Duarte. From day one, everything was thoughtfully organized and clearly communicated, which made the transition into the company seamless and welcoming. The onboarding process struck a great balance between providing essential information and allowing space to absorb and apply what I was learning. The training was high-quality, engaging, and easy to follow. I especially appreciated the opportunity to participate in one of Duarte’s workshops, which gave me a firsthand look at the company’s expertise in communication and storytelling. There was a strong sense of intentionality behind every session, ensuring that new hires not only understand their roles but also feel connected to Duarte’s culture and values. What stood out most was the level of support. Everyone I interacted with was approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping new employees succeed. There were clear opportunities to ask questions, connect with colleagues, and build relationships early on, which made a big difference. Overall, Duarte’s onboarding process is a standout example of how to set employees up for success from the very beginning.

Cons

No cons experienced during onboarding

1.0
Mar 10, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

100% remote — they have an office but nobody goes in. So maybe this is a con to some looking for hybrid or in-person opps.

Cons

This company once had a strong, people-focused culture—or at least it seemed that way—but that has all but disappeared. Leadership makes big promises yet fails to deliver, and morale continues to decline as talented, longtime employees leave or are let go without explanation. Teams are understaffed, overwork is the norm, and burnout is inevitable—with no real rewards for the extra effort. Decision-making at the top is erratic, with unqualified leaders cycling through roles while experienced hires who challenge the status quo don’t last or struggle to advance. Despite endless high-level meetings, nothing improves, and financial struggles persist. Recent departures, both voluntary and involuntary, have made it clear how unstable things are. If you’re considering joining, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere—this company is not what it used to be. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be at a company where people are respected, rewarded, and nurtured. Don’t settle for toxic!

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Duarte Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We value transparency and take all employee perspectives seriously, both positive and critical. We recognize that recent changes have been challenging. As an agency committed to putting people over profit, we've made difficult decisions that have led to some financial constraints. This commitment to our employees sometimes comes at a cost, but it's a value we stand behind. Your experience doesn't align with what we strive to create, and for that, we sincerely apologize. We'd like to address some specific points and share information about our ongoing efforts: Work-Life Balance We acknowledge the reality of our industry - as an agency supporting events and working with client deadlines, there are periods that require additional effort. However, we've implemented several programs to offset these demands: Time-back policies for extra hours worked Active workload monitoring to identify and address peaks Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives HR concierge support Culture and Leadership The average tenure on our agency side is just over 9 years - a testament to the positive environment many of our team members experience. We've created multiple channels for employee feedback that directly shape our culture and policies. Looking Forward We're committed to continuous improvement. Recent Glassdoor reviews prior to this one have reflected positive changes in our approach to workload management and wellbeing initiatives. If you're a current employee, we encourage you to reach out through any of our feedback channels. Your specific concerns deserve attention, and we're committed to addressing them. For prospective employees, we recommend speaking with current team members about their experiences to gain a balanced perspective of what working here is truly like. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us become better.
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