Lost its spark - Anonymous employee Papier Employee Review

Papier started out as an exciting and inspiring place to work. Everyone genuinely cared about one another, and the company values were truly lived day to day. It was a fun, vibrant environment where hard work was recognised and rewarded — progression felt attainable and motivating. Unfortunately, this has changed dramatically over the years. Monthly meetings have become stale, cuts and redundancies frequent, and the original Papier spark has faded. Many people now find themselves doing the work of multiple roles, with shifting priorities and little stability. Strategy changes daily, roadmaps are ignored, and new ideas are thrown in without time or structure to deliver them well. The focus has shifted from product quality and customer experience to profit at any cost — even if that means abandoning what the company once stood for. Integrity has taken a hit, and it shows. Experienced and well-trained senior staff continue to leave, while less experienced employees are promoted into their roles — often on much lower salaries, with little to no training or support. The company no longer seems to value retention, especially when saving money takes priority. Roles are rarely backfilled, and employees are constantly tested on how much they can take on before breaking. Burnout is common and, sadly, expected. Leadership style in certain departments has also contributed to the decline. There’s a culture of micromanagement and control, with some leaders needing to be involved in every decision regardless of understanding or trust. Compassion and emotional intelligence are lacking, with little awareness of mental health, neurodiversity, or individual differences. Those who don’t fit in or challenge the status quo risk being isolated or quietly pushed out, creating a fearful and divisive environment. Raising issues rarely leads to change, and many people have left after voicing the same concerns, only to see nothing improve.