Bolster Reviews

- The culture of the business is fundamentally toxic to its core. You're given the impression that it's a cool music startup when in actual fact the employees are worked to the bone and completely expected to do that. - Management has absolutely no understanding of how to properly run a business, they are only interested in making more money even if it's at the detriment of their team's mental health. - There is very much so a bro culture between senior management, and if you're not one of their favourites you're not worth their time. - Hard work isn't valued only big work, people will work across as many as 50 campaigns and projects and never be recognised because their work simply isn't as flashy as a bigger client with one campaign. - The teams are highly siloed with some teams and team members frequently reminding you to stay in your lane because this is theirs which in no way fosters the idea of inclusivity and working as a team on a project. - There's no forum to raise concerns because the idea of raising anything negative/constructive is viewed by the business as an issue for you to deal with. - There is no secrecy when discussing private matters with senior management, you'll be made to feel like things are your own issue to solve. If the issue is with a member of management they will find ways to reverse this on to you to save their own reputation. - There is no opportunity for growth within the business, management will specifically try to avoid promotions or salary increase where at all possible. - For the work the pay is terrible. Employees are gaslit into thinking this treatment and their salary are fine because they're lucky enough to work in the music industry and "be a part of culture".

Bolster rely on the great people they hire and the great office space they rent to create the impression of a fun start up. In reality, the place has none of the great vibe you'd expect from a start up. It is constantly silent, as horrifically overworked employees plug in their headphones, switch off from their co-workers and try and get the job done. Management are absolute bullies. The culture is truly toxic. Employees are held in a tight fist - holidays are held back on the basis that it doesn't suit the directors rather than genuinely thinking about how that time might affect company strategy. Wage is terrible. Employees are gaslit into thinking it's acceptable because of the perks (free tickets to gigs and getting to work with the music brands you like).