Pros
In all honesty, identifying positive aspects of my time with this company and the associated property proves to be a challenging task. However, there are a few notable bright spots that deserve acknowledgment: Fantastic Students: The students residing in the property were a source of positivity, making each day more enjoyable. Their wonderful demeanor contributed significantly to the overall atmosphere. Event Planning Freedom: A silver lining was the freedom granted to plan and host student events. This allowed for a creative outlet and added a positive dimension to the role. Social Media Management Opportunity: The chance to manage the property's social media added a unique and engaging aspect to the job. This responsibility provided an avenue for creativity and communication. Moreover, it's worth noting that the company offers favorable working hours from 9 am to 5:30 pm, facilitating a structured routine and enabling better work-life balance. Additionally, the manager's accommodation for medical appointments reflects a considerate and supportive approach to employees' well-being. While these positives existed, they were unfortunately overshadowed by the numerous challenges encountered during my tenure.
Cons
Wage Disparity: The company's minimum wage policy is perplexing given its substantial revenue. Managers earn £30-£35,000 annually, yet frontline staff fall short of the national living wage. The discrepancy is particularly ironic considering the company's emphasis on culture and perks. Unmerited Pay Raises: Job proficiency takes a back seat to manager favoritism when it comes to securing a pay raise. Merit seems to be eclipsed by personal connections. Overtime Compensation: The absence of overtime pay, replaced solely by time owed, feels inadequate in the current cost-of-living crisis. Extra income could significantly ease financial strains. Lack of Bonus Scheme: The absence of a bonus scheme is puzzling, especially considering the multifaceted role of staff encompassing receptionist duties, cleaning, customer advising, and more. While managers reap bonuses, frontline staff are limited to minimum wage. Limited Recognition: Positive efforts often go unnoticed, while mistakes are promptly addressed. A more balanced and appreciative approach to employee performance is evidently lacking. Solo Property Management: Straying from the designated role of a customer service advisor, staff find themselves managing properties alone, undertaking tasks beyond their scope. Unethical Work Requests: Employees are sometimes compelled to perform tasks meant for trained personnel, such as forging building checks. Safety Concerns: Inadequate security measures expose staff to potential dangers, including dealing with hazardous items left behind by individuals experiencing homelessness. Negligent Landlord Practices: The landlord's disregard for tenant well-being, evident in issues like mold, poor ventilation, and subpar amenities, raises serious concerns about their commitment to tenant satisfaction. Absence of Upper Management Appraisal: The lack of feedback or acknowledgment from upper management compounds the feeling of undervaluation among employees. Overburdened Property Managers: Property managers grapple with excessive workloads and property-related challenges, leaving little time to foster a sense of value among the staff they oversee. Self-Guided Training: New hires are left to navigate company systems, policies, and pricing independently, highlighting a lack of structured onboarding. Understaffing Concerns: Each staff member shoulders the workload of multiple roles, raising questions about the company's staffing approach and commitment to employee well-being.