Pros
There are still dedicated and supportive colleagues who want to see the company succeed, but probably not for long. These employees carried the company while the owner disengaged for over a year.
Cons
Over the past few months, there has been a significant shift in leadership behavior and overall workplace culture. In my experience, interactions with ownership have become increasingly intense and, at times, unprofessional. Meetings can feel more like interrogations rather than collaborative discussions, with raised voices and visible frustration contributing to a stressful environment.
There is also a perception among employees that conversations may be closely monitored, which has created discomfort and eroded trust, regardless of whether this is accurate.
Since the arrival of the new CEO, there have been widespread personnel changes. Several long-tenured employees have either left or been let go, and there is a perception that favoritism may exist toward individuals with prior affiliations, while others have faced demotions or termination. This has led to uncertainty and declining morale.
Additionally, entire functions have been significantly reduced or eliminated without clear backfill plans. The marketing team has been fully cut, and much of the HR function has been lost, leaving gaps in critical areas with no communicated strategy for replacement. This has added to operational strain and confusion across teams.
There have also been instances where employees are escorted out during their notice periods based on perceived concerns about their behavior.
Overall, the workplace environment currently feels tense, reactive, and at times toxic. Communication and transparency from leadership are limited, and there is ongoing speculation among employees about the company’s financial health that has not been directly addressed.