The best and worst company I've worked for
Pros
When I first joined, Avado was an absolute dream. The people were excellent and competent, the culture was phenomenal and it was the first company I had ever worked for that offered progression and direction, while also allowing me to be 100% authentic. I've made friends for life from this company, learnt an enormous amount, and will continue to hold the first two years of my time there in high regard. The best bosses, senior leadership team and diverse/interesting subject matters!
Cons
Avado salaries have never been up to scratch - but this was something that was easily overlooked while the culture remained intact. From early 2022 the company has effectively cannibalised itself. Empathetic leadership has been replaced with a C-suite who demonstrate a total lack of direction. Plus, the CEO seemingly has the emotional intelligence of a teaspoon. Constant changes to personnel, company goals, company values and several rounds of redundancies eroded any trust remaining staff had, particularly following an October 2022 round of redundancies, which occurred after a promise from the Chairman in July 2022 that no further jobs would be cut for the rest of the year. Mental health and stress are disregarded, concerns about company direction are swept aside, and the meritocracy Avado once was has evolved into a 'dog eat dog' world, where conflict with colleagues and underhand tactics are rewarded. Avado has lost its way, and it deeply saddens me that a company I held in such high regard has become so toxic.
