Toxic Culture: The current culture is toxic and demoralizing. The environment has deteriorated significantly, with widespread dissatisfaction among employees.
Leadership Issues: The only people who seem content are those just below the owners. These individuals are often more focused on trying to placate the owners rather than performing their jobs effectively. The two owners, who have no experience working outside their own ventures and come from family money, are completely unable to empathize with people who are actually working hard to make a living and who deserve fair pay and benefits. They take no accountability for their own actions and instead scapegoat individuals in order to attempt to solve the issues they’ve created.
Financial Decline: The company has experienced failed sales efforts leading to multiple rounds of layoffs over the last year. They used to work with fun and interesting clients, but now, due to financial desperation, they have started taking on anyone who will give them money, including several snake oil salesmen in the health and wellness industry.
Sexism and Racism: The company suffers from deep-seated sexism and racism. These issues are evident in the roles and treatment of employees. For example, a woman who was the head of HR was let go only a week before returning from unpaid maternity leave. Promises of promotions and pay raises to women and POC have been retracted, while less experienced white men are paid significantly more. Women are often relegated to note-taking and secretarial tasks by the owners, regardless of their actual titles or responsibilities.
DEI Rejection: DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives were proposed several times to the owners, but each time, these initiatives were rejected. This further highlights their lack of commitment to creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace.
Bro Culture: There is a pervasive 'bro culture' led by the owners and their buddies, who occupy high-paying positions despite their lack of competence. Genuine talent and hard work are undervalued, while sycophantic behavior is rewarded.
Manipulative Leadership: The owners excel at manipulating people into believing they are "really good guys" running a highly effective and cohesive business. However, once you look a layer deeper, it becomes clear that this is far from the truth.
Punitive Environment: Speaking up about issues or trying to improve the situation often results in social punishment, making it clear that the owners are more interested in maintaining their comfort rather than addressing valid concerns.
Inauthentic Reviews: Many of the positive Glassdoor reviews were coaxed by the CEO, urging employees to write favorable reviews that do not reflect the genuine sentiment and experiences of the workforce.
In summary, while Herman-Scheer may have had a great culture in the past, it has now become a place where toxic behavior is tolerated and even encouraged. If you’re considering a position here, I'd advise against it.