Pros
1. Supportive peer mentorship – While formal leadership may be lacking, colleagues at the same level are often willing to share knowledge and help each other grow. 2. Collaborative, learning-friendly environment – Non-leadership team members are generally open-minded, receptive to new ideas, and eager to learn together. 3. Close relationships with teammates – Smaller team size made it easier to build genuine connections and a sense of camaraderie.
Cons
1. Lack of empathy and emotional intelligence – The overall tone of the workplace can feel cold and transactional, with little regard for employee well-being. 2. Surface-level culture efforts – While “company culture” is frequently discussed, meaningful participation is limited almost entirely to the CEO. There’s little follow-through or engagement from others in leadership or management. 3. A toxic environment marked by favouritism – Certain individuals are favoured, often regardless of performance, creating divisions and lowering morale. 4. Unfriendly and isolating work culture – Genuine team spirit is lacking. New employees may find it difficult to integrate and feel welcomed. 5. Questionable work ethic across teams – Inconsistent standards, lack of accountability, and resistance to feedback are common, particularly in management. 6. No clear leadership or path for advancement – Guidance is minimal, and there’s no structured support for growth or career progression. 7. Poor work-life balance – Expectations are unrealistic, with an unspoken culture of overwork and blurred personal boundaries. 8. Extremely high turnover – Over 20+ employees left within six to eight months, indicating deep-rooted issues with retention and employee satisfaction. 9. Chaotic and inconsistent processes – There is frequent misalignment between what is communicated and what is expected. Processes change often without proper explanation or documentation. HR do not know what they are doing. 10. Reactive rather than strategic approach – Decisions are often made on the fly, with little transparency or long-term planning. 11. Low psychological safety – Employees may hesitate to speak up, share concerns, or admit mistakes without fear of judgment or backlash.