Pros
To be completely frank, I'm struggling to find any positives to share about the job or the overall working environment. The sole silver lining was the receptionist, who consistently stood out by engaging in genuine conversations and taking the time to build meaningful connections with colleagues.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the workplace culture often encouraged toxicity, which made it challenging to thrive as an employee. There were instances where inappropriate behavior and lack of support from management were prevalent, leading to a stressful and unhealthy work environment. I hope that [Company Name] can take steps to address these issues and create a more positive and productive workplace for its future employees. - My time at Altus was marked by a relentless focus on unrealistic KPI targets that overshadowed my well-being and morale. While achieving goals is important, the company’s singular obsession with numbers often led to an unhealthy work environment. The pressure to meet unattainable targets takes a toll on motivation and mental health, and it felt like the human element was frequently disregarded. I believe that a balanced approach that values both employees and results is crucial for any organisations long-term success. - The company’s inconsistent approach to remote work is incredibly frustrating. When I initially joined, the opportunity to work from home (especially on Friday’s) was a key selling point, and it factored into my decision. However, I’ve encountered situations where working from home is often threatened if KPIs aren’t met, creating unnecessary stress and instability. It’s disheartening to see this crucial aspect of the job, which was promised during recruitment, being used as leverage to push employees to their limits. - Adding to that, despite being required to come into the office, the primary mode of communication was Teams, even when colleagues were sitting right next to each other. This created a surreal and counterproductive atmosphere, where face-to-face interactions were discouraged. To illustrate, there were instances where my manager, who sat just across from me, would exclusively communicate through Teams, even for trivial matters. This lack of direct, in-person communication was not only bewildering but also hindered team collaboration and efficiency. - It’s disheartening to say that Altus seems to have a hiring strategy that prioritizes young employees who are less likely to question decisions made by higher-ups. During my time there, it became evident that the company sought individuals who could easily be molded into their vision, often luring them in with false promises of career progression. This approach not only stifles diversity of thought and experience but also leaves employees feeling disillusioned. It’s crucial for any organization to value a diverse range of perspectives and to fulfill promises of growth and advancement to its employees. - There’s an oppressive and demoralizing micromanaging culture. Instead of fostering trust and autonomy among employees, the management seemed fixated on closely monitoring every aspect of our work. This level of oversight not only hindered productivity but also eroded morale. It’s disheartening when you’re constantly made to feel that your abilities and judgment are doubted. - There is a concerning approach to client relationships. When clients expressed their desire not to continue, we were forced to continue cold calling them due to “contractual obligations”, even when contracts were often expired. This not only strained relationships but also seemed tone-deaf to clients’ needs and preferences. Additionally, the company’s policy of restricting employee responses to situational email templates saved on a Word document was both baffling and counterproductive. It limited our ability to address client concerns in a personalized and meaningful way, often leaving clients frustrated and unheard. What struck me as truly bizarre was the practice of passing on ‘retaliating’ clients from team to team to be ‘dealt with.’ This lack of a cohesive, client-focused strategy only added to the chaos and further strained relationships. I would strongly advise against considering this job as anything beyond a temporary role to bridge the gap while you search or wait for a more permanent position or pursue your desired career path.
