Disappointing - Fullstack Engineer OakNorth Employee Review

1.0
24 Dec 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The hours are ok, and there are some people that are genuinely committed to making changes.

Cons

First off, imagine a workplace without a GPS – that's the lack of order and proper processes here. It's like trying to build a ship in a storm; you end up just hoping it floats. Now, let's dive into the political swamp. The engineering team is practically living in it, with no lifeboats in sight. It's not just office politics; it's a full-blown political saga. Navigating this feels like running a marathon blindfolded. Here's a heartbreaker – witnessing a top-tier dev wrongly tossed onto a performance improvement plan (PIP). The tech lead, driven by some fear-based leadership dance, spun a web of lies out of intimidation. This colleague was undeniably brilliant, she was one of the MVPs, yet somehow got stamped as "problematic." It's disheartening to watch talent drown in unfounded accusations. The CEO, well, they've got a knack for unnecessary rudeness. Asking an honest question is like poking a sleeping dragon. Snarky comments come flying, and it's hard not to wonder if they're allergic to straightforward communication. Expectations for the role are as clear as mud. It's like being handed a recipe with missing ingredients – you improvise and hope it turns out okay. Clarity seems to be a rare commodity around here. Lastly, there's this odd push to maintain a culture that feels like a parade of personality clones. It's like they're aiming for a cultural monochrome, breeding homogeneity instead of embracing the vibrant spectrum of perspectives that could truly elevate the company. It leaves you questioning if diversity is just a buzzword in the employee handbook.

Explore other reviews about OakNorth

3.0
14 Apr 2026
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-- Good industry exposure: You can absorb knowledge about financial services and entrepreneurship. -- High-level access: I got involved in high-stakes projects (e.g. startup research for potential partnerships, emerging market contenders)

Cons

-- Woefully disorienting onboarding: Expect to be thrown into the deep end immediately. My first interaction with management was being ushered into a live external meeting, mid-session, with zero context. -- Competitive, male-dominated culture: The department I was in rewarded posturing and "brownnosing" over actual output. Information is often withheld by peers to maintain a competitive edge, leaving new hires to guess their responsibilities. -- Performative communication: Similarly, meetings are frequently dominated by people talking over one another to impress leadership. If you're introverted or prefer to prepare thoughtful insights before speaking, you will likely be sidelined or excluded from future discussions. -- Shifting priorities: Management priorities change so rapidly that diligent work can become irrelevant within days. It's common to complete a project only to have it discarded immediately due to sudden pivots in direction. -- Exclusionary tactics: Towards the end of my tenure, I experienced staggered exclusion, i.e. being left off calendar invites or told my presence wasn’t required. It’s a culture where being quiet is mistaken for meek.

2.0
5 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall salary not was good for a graduate scheme

Cons

A lot of focus on company needs, rather than growth in the company. Role that can be advertised can be changed once you start working.

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