Unsupportive poisonous atmosphere despite first impressions - Anonymous employee Mumsnet Employee Review

1.0
13 Nov 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If you're young without too much responsibility for any single department, you'll be given a lot of responsibility quickly, which can develop skills. Mumsnet often takes mums who have just come back to the workplace looking for flexibility, which is hard to find in the workplace.

Cons

Managers are given responsibility to deliver ferocious targets but are not given the resources to achieve them. Terrible atmosphere which seeps down from the top. Bullying is rife and systematic and there is no proper HR structure to deal with it. Mumsnet often takes mums who have just come back to the workplace and are lacking confidence – this place destroys it.

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Mumsnet Response
8y
Hi - thanks for leaving the review. The feedback is really useful for us as we strive to make Mumsnet a great place to work. You're right to recognise that talented people are promoted quickly and we feel strongly about offering flexible working for mums returning to the workplace. Sorry to hear of your more negative experiences - we'd appreciate hearing more about the issues you raise so we can address them. If you could give us more specific information here on this anonymous form we'd be grateful https://goo.gl/forms/LG3gxmzxh3k4k4XX2

Explore other reviews about Mumsnet

3.0
16 May 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mumsnet is a nice place to work with some great people Friendly environment Interesting business to work for

Cons

Underpaid for the work you do Career progressions isn't clear

2.0
5 Jun 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance is great until its changed for no legitimate reason. Great to work for a company that has a real world impact on parents and specific womens issues. Some great people on all the different teams who are great at their jobs and provide great support.

Cons

Management offers lip service to feedback and company values while failing to act on either. A bereaved team member was told any leave beyond one week would come out of annual leave a stark example of the disconnect between Mumsnet's public image and internal reality for staff. Culture is cliquey and siloed, with playground dynamics between teams and bad behaviour routinely ignored when flagged. Confidence is actively knocked through micromanagement, diary monitoring, and a CRO who publicly calls out sales staff for childcare issues. No real progression, no meaningful training, and proactive ideas are stamped out. The bonus scheme is confusing, changes frequently, and sits well below industry standard. Mandatory socials and WFH register-taking add to the controlled atmosphere. The overall environment feels cult-like particularly around senior leadership.

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