Would not recommend - Production Worker ZB Designs Employee Review

The product clearly has potential and the team itself is talented and hardworking.

In my time at ZB Designs, expectations shifted constantly with little documentation or planning. Leadership frequently made reactive business decisions without consulting or seriously considering feedback from the design and production teams. Priorities would change overnight, and projects were often assigned in last-minute scrambles, even while leadership claimed the company was “a year ahead of schedule.” Deadlines were consistently unrealistic. From the first week, 60–70 hour work weeks were normalized under salaried pay, with no overtime compensation. Additional hours were framed as “caring more,” and overtime culture was informally rewarded. Roles were not clearly defined; employees regularly wore multiple hats without corresponding compensation. Raises were discussed and either delayed significantly or never delivered. Work-life balance was openly deprioritized. Leadership often worked excessive hours themselves and brought family members into the workplace due to rarely being home. Last-minute texts about holiday schedules were common, and PTO was discouraged unless employees “made up” the time by working extra hours. Compensation is below market for comparable roles. There are no clear career growth paths or defined advancement opportunities. Benefits are not provided. Culturally, favoritism was apparent. Religious elements were incorporated into staff meetings, which may not be comfortable for all employees. Feedback from staff was solicited but rarely meaningfully implemented, while criticism from leadership was often harsh and non-constructive. Designs were publicly dismissed without guidance. Public criticism felt normalized. Operationally, the company appears to still be “building the plane while flying it,” with constant hiring and turnover in key roles such as sales and production. I personally observed frequent turnover among production staff. My termination came without prior warning, documentation, or performance discussion. The reasoning provided did not align with prior feedback, and I was not given transition time to secure other employment.

Great product, I believe this company will continue to succeed

Very poor work structure, it’s clear that upper management has little business and overall work experience. Pay is low. Management has stated that they don’t believe in work life balance so you’re expecting to care as if it’s your own business. (Some of us actually have a life) Inappropriate behavior like you wouldn’t believe. This is me being nice.