A Toxic Culture That Stifles Growth and Morale - Anonymous employee NOCN Employee Review

2.0
1 Apr 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

• Some colleagues are great to work with. • Decent benefits compared to industry standards.

Cons

• Toxic leadership - senior management fosters a culture of fear and micromanagement rather than trust and development. Employees are not valued and decisions seem arbitrary. • There’s a disconnect between leadership and staff. Communication is poor and major decisions happen without employee input. • There’s a high turnover of staff. Directors leave without much explanation, almost like they’re fired. The high turnover is also down to lack of career progression and growth. Instead of addressing issues, blame culture happens. The reviews about bullying are all true. It happens time and time again. The leadership team hire the same people who then do the same things. Promotions and opportunities seem to be based more on favoritism than merit. • The culture affects mental health and wellbeing despite the company claiming to care. • Toxic leadership - senior management fosters a culture of fear and micromanagement rather than trust and development. Employees are not valued and decisions seem arbitrary. • There’s a disconnect between leadership and staff. Communication is poor and major decisions happen without employee input. • There’s a high turnover of staff. Directors leave without much explanation, almost like they’re fired. The high turnover is also down to lack of career progression and growth. Instead of addressing issues, blame culture happens. The reviews about bullying are all true. It happens time and time again. The leadership team hire the same people who then do the same things. Promotions and opportunities seem to be based more on favoritism than merit. • Bullying culture with senior leaders and certain managers engaging in bullying, belittling staff and creating a fear driven environment. Complaints are ignored or brushed aside, leaving employees with no real support.

Explore other reviews about NOCN

2.0
17 Jun 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good holiday allowance and flexible hours Most people are friendly and helpful

Cons

Very limited career progression Communication between departments is poor Issues with bullying and colleagues disappearing suddenly

5.0
29 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A very positive start to my employment with NOCN with a thorough induction and meet and greet of key staff. A very positive and friendly culture, one of shared values and respect... a real we are all in this together approach. The organisation keeps employees well informed through monthly meetings, it is particularly good that we know how the organisation is performing, both in terms of growth and financially. Personal and professional development is outstanding as there are plenty of chances to develop and complete new qualifications. My boss is really experienced, knows a lot more than me and is great when I need advice or support, I have the utmost respect for him and his position, and he has earned that. The CEO has real vision and direction in terms of where the company is going. The company is a non profit organisation. Staff bonus following good performance as a group. Working from home and on the road mix. Trusted and left alone to do your job. Top to bottom the best place I have worked in 40 years of employment, well deserving of the Sunday Times Best Places to work award they received.

Cons

Sometimes it is hard to know who to contact about what.. a staff directory would be great.. divided by team... it may exist but I don't want to keep bothering my line manager with trivialities, although he would be more than happy to help. The group ideally needs one platform for all things, there are many platforms for centres and staff to get used to, I know they are working on this.

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