Pros
- Some truly fascinating research that has policy implications (however, this can be few and far between). - Great people (below senior leadership) who are doing their jobs to try and make a difference and are passionate about what they do. - Decent pension. - Free fruit and veg.
Cons
- Senior Leadership can treat their staff with contempt. Often ignoring people when they complain about being over-worked and stressed. Big issues are ignored, like the mental health of staff, which is ironic considering the company does research on mental health. - Absolutely no transparency behind big internal processes and decision making, such as promotions. - Ticking boxes and being in meetings is valued more than being a true research innovator. I've seen people trying to do things differently and genuinely delivering innovative research being overlooked for promotions and instead the "box tickers" are rewarded. Also often these 'innovators' aren't properly supported. - No strategy or vision. There is so much potential, but the Senior Leaders have no vision or strategy to improve the business. A lot of investments are made in the wrong places e.g. not behind the innovators but in areas where there is no long-term value. - The Senior Leaders are a big problem. Unfortunately, it's a toxic mix of arrogance, people in over their head and just a refusal to listen. The company has some great people working for it, but they are not supported properly. - A conveyor belt of work where employees go from one piece of research to the next with no time to properly reflect and think. They then feel completely overwhelmed by moving from one project to another.