Overworked to Breaking Point - Director Red Havas Employee Review

My time with Red Havas was in complete contrast. At first I was happy to 'deal with' the heavy workload and long hours (often 16 hour days), but as soon as 'management' get an inkling you have talent, you find yourself with an impossible workload and ludicrous deadlines. The attitude of some of the senior players - particularly the MD left a lot to be desired. The chairman, although a friendly enough chap had zero comprehension of the work being piled on employees. So, rather than kill myself with a heart attack at the age of 40, I decided to start saying no to work I couldn't take on, in an effort to reduce my working day to between 10 and 12 hours, which did not go down well. Especially with the chairman; who then raked me over the coals in an appraisal. This was despite being responsible for winning a considerable amount of business for the agency; including securing one of their biggest clients who had asked us to re pitch for the business. I handed in my notice a week later, without another job to go to, and a hefty mortgage to pay, but I have never felt such relief in my life. The day I resigned, I can remember walking on air, knowing that I only had to endure the notice period before I could be rid of this company. I t was interesting to see that my 'replacment' was only able to withstand five months of this toxic workplace before he too resigned to join another agency. In conclusion, one of the other big global agencies has the nickname 'Hire & Kill'. I spent many, many happy years with this agency; and I feel the nickname is far more appropriate for Red Havas. For all their pretence, they care nothing for their workforce; their contributions, and their hard work - they only care about their P&L bottom line. I wouldn't recommend anyone joins this company. I would actively discourage it. There are much more prestigious agencies who genuinely care for their employees - so do yourself a favour and give this company a miss.