The Great Place To Work award process felt disconnected from daily reality. Staff are repeatedly encouraged to complete surveys to meet targets, which reduces trust in the outcome.
Favouritism is widespread. Progression links more to internal relationships than performance. If you are outside key groups, opportunities reduce fast.
Priorities change constantly. Work is labelled urgent, teams drop everything, then projects are cancelled at short notice. Time and effort are wasted.
Leadership behaviour within the Belfast office, particularly at local management level, has contributed to a tense and unhealthy culture. This has driven disengagement, reduced trust, and a clear drop in staff participation in social and team activities.
Restructures and redundancies lack transparency. Colleagues leave suddenly with little communication, which creates fear and instability.
What was once a positive and social workplace has declined steadily over time. Morale and psychological safety have eroded.
Staff ideas for social events are rarely acted on. Decisions sit with the same small group, which leaves others feeling excluded.
Early finish Fridays were removed, despite being standard practice across many comparable companies.
The Christmas shutdown and early pay were removed in 2024. This was communicated close to Christmas and caused unnecessary financial stress.
Equipment is outdated for the work expected. Office screens are poor quality.
There are not enough desks on mandatory in office days. Staff often work from kitchens or shared spaces.
Inclusion feels inconsistent. Some cultural events are promoted publicly, while UK holidays receive little recognition.
London is clearly prioritised. The Northern Ireland office feels secondary in decision making and investment.
The same teams receive recognition repeatedly, while others are overlooked. This divides people rather than bringing teams together.
Mental health is promoted publicly, but internal support feels limited when staff raise concerns. Zero to no support given during an impactful period at Belfast Office
Negative behaviour from senior staff is widely known and tolerated, which impacts wellbeing, confidence and interactions.