- The company is struggling, which shows in how employees are pushed out rather than supported.
- Advice-seeking or feedback conversations with leadership can be weaponised against staff, creating a lack of trust.
- Clear favouritism — if you don’t fit with certain people, opportunities are overlooked.
- Little to no formal training provided; employees are expected to find their own development pathways.
- Leadership shows very little accountability, particularly around finding meaningful work for employees.
- HR is not a neutral or supportive function, often prioritising leadership over staff.
- No clear policies or structures in place, which creates confusion and inconsistency.
- No written feedback is provided, and requests for clearer guidance are dismissed as “spoon feeding” or “hand holding.”
- The environment can become toxic and demoralising, which was ultimately why I chose to leave.