Dysfunctional culture with serious leadership and HR issues - Anonymous employee SMC Corporation Employee Review

Toxic People & Culture team: HR is not a safe place to go for support. Instead of solving problems, they contribute to them. Staff who ask for help often become the target of gossip or worse. * Broken commitments: Agreements made during recruitment, such as flexible working, are later walked back or used against employees. For example, an employee provided medical documentation to support working from home occasionally. HR formally approved the request, but then privately discussed making the person redundant within six months specifically because of it. * Unprofessional leadership: The Managing Director is known for erratic, unpredictable behaviour that undermines trust and morale across the company. Emotional outbursts and inconsistent decision-making create constant uncertainty. * Psychological safety is non-existent: Employees are afraid to speak openly for fear of retaliation. Negative talk about staff behind their backs is common, including at senior levels. * High stress, low morale: Talented people are leaving, and it’s becoming harder to attract replacements due to the reputation internally and externally.