20 Aug 2024
Anonymous employee
Today Digital Response
1yThank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review. As the Founder and CEO of Today Digital, I feel it's important to address the concerns you've raised personally and transparently. I genuinely value feedback, even when it's tough to hear, because it offers us the opportunity to improve. That said, I do want to clarify a few points and provide additional context.
Firstly, it's true that we are a busy and growing business. Like many small companies, we face the challenges of scaling, and this sometimes means we need to push hard to meet deadlines and client expectations. However, I want to be clear that we do not overwork our employees. We’ve actually reduced the workweek by 20%, moving to a four-day, 30-hour workweek to improve work-life balance. While there are occasions when we need to go the extra mile, this is not the norm, and we strive to ensure that our team is not overburdened.
Regarding feedback, we actively seek it and continuously work to improve how we gather and act on it. All employees receive a 121 with their line manager every month where feedback is encouraged. We are committed to making Today Digital a great place to work and invest significant time and resources in enhancing the employee experience. Our efforts to incorporate AI tools, for instance, are aimed at making workflows smoother and more efficient, not at replacing human creativity or input.
On the issue of turnover, the actual numbers tell a more balanced story. Out of a team of 30, we’ve had a churn rate of 18% over the past year, which is lower than average for a business of our size in the UK. (The average turnover - or churn - for UK workers is 34% - Google it, it's true.)
Most of these departures were due to underperformance, which is never an easy decision but necessary for maintaining the standards our clients expect. I understand that these situations can be difficult, and I’m sorry if anyone felt that they were treated unfairly.
As for the personal comments about my leadership style, I understand that I can be direct, but I believe in honest, straightforward communication. Running a business requires tough decisions and clear direction, especially in a fast-paced environment. My goal is always to challenge our team to grow and improve, and while I recognise that this approach may not resonate with everyone, it is a style that has driven sustainable growth.
On the topic of salary increases, it's important to note that many of our employees have received raises in the past year. However, since transitioning to a four-day workweek, we’ve focused on aligning pay with performance. We believe in rewarding those who contribute significantly to our success, and we offer regular reviews to ensure that compensation reflects an individual’s contributions. All employees are made aware of their KPIs and quarterly goals are created to ensure we move forward together.
Regarding flexibility and holidays, our policy is clear: we operate on a four-day workweek with set hours, and we encourage everyone to take their full leave within the year. This policy is communicated from the outset to ensure transparency and fairness across the board.
Finally, I want to emphasise that public humiliation is not part of our culture. I engage with teams regularly, providing leadership and direction, and while I’m passionate and vocal about our work, I aim to be respectful and constructive. If anyone felt otherwise, I sincerely apologize.
To conclude, while I acknowledge that no workplace is perfect, we are committed to continuous improvement and making Today Digital a place where people can thrive. I appreciate your feedback and encourage ongoing dialogue with our current team members to ensure we are addressing any concerns promptly and effectively.
Thank you again for your review. I’m here to answer any further questions or concerns you might have, and I remain dedicated to making Today Digital a place where we all can succeed together.
Rob Scott