Pros
One notable positive aspect of the organization is the exceptional talent and skill exhibited by the artists.
Cons
I recently concluded my tenure at Blockhead and I believe it's essential to provide an honest and constructive review of my experiences during my time there. Excessive Working Hours and Lack of Compensation: One of the primary concerns at Blockhead is the consistent demand for junior staff to work 50 hours per week without any provision for overtime or time in lieu, even when compensated at the minimum wage. This has created a challenging and unsustainable work environment for junior employees. Mismatched Flexibility Claims: While Blockhead presents itself as a flexible workplace, the reality contradicts this narrative. There's a prevalent expectation for employees to report to work even when unwell, which undermines the proclaimed flexibility and demonstrates a lack of consideration for the health and well-being of the staff. Exploitative Treatment of Junior Staff: The work culture at Blockhead is disheartening, especially for junior staff who find themselves utilised without due consideration for their professional growth or well-being. The lack of support, coupled with constant pressure, has created an environment that is detrimental to the overall development of junior team members. Leadership Issues: Regrettably, the leadership, particularly the Executive Producer (EP), appears to prioritise personal interests over the welfare of the team. Reports of a self-indulgent lifestyle and a lack of concern for the professional growth of team members have contributed to a sense of disillusionment among the staff. Incompetence among Senior Producers: There's a noticeable lack of competence among senior producers who, rather than effectively managing their responsibilities, frequently place undue pressure on artists. This results in weekend work without appropriate compensation, creating an unjust burden on the artistic team. Toxic Workplace Culture: Blockhead fosters a toxic and unprofessional workplace culture where gossiping and talking negatively about colleagues are sadly the norm. This has led to an environment lacking in mutual respect and camaraderie, particularly towards both junior and senior staff members. Negative Leadership from Managing Director: The negativity within the workplace is further exacerbated by the Managing Director (MD), who consistently expresses disparaging remarks about the entire staff. This behaviour from a leadership figure contributes to a demoralising atmosphere. I've found that the MD tends to have a consistently negative outlook. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of proficiency in managing people effectively. Throughout my time here, I never felt that she genuinely cared about the well-being of her staff or had any genuine interest in them. Financial Focus at the Expense of Investment: Unfortunately, the business appears to prioritise financial gains over strategic investments in equipment, staff, and overall business development. This short-sighted approach may hinder the long-term sustainability and growth of the company. In conclusion, my experience at Blockhead has been marked by systemic issues that extend from the working conditions to leadership dynamics. Addressing these concerns would undoubtedly contribute to a more positive and conducive work environment for all staff members.
