EXTREME MICROMANAGEMENT AND LACK OF TRUST
Pros
There are some really talented people in the company. The product looks promising too.
Cons
The level of micromanagement in this company is unlike anything I have EVER experienced in my career. There is no trust whatsoever and you cannot do anything autonomously. Trust is unattainable at kevin. unless you are part of the executive leadership team. As a result it has created a toxic environment where the company values (Ambition, Expertise, Reliability, Ownership) are nonexistent and frankly speaking, a PR stunt. Despite the fact that they want to hire experienced people, you quickly find out that their expertise is not appreciated. Essentially, keep your opinions to yourself. There is this compelling need from the Chief People Officer (CPO) and the founders to exert a level of control that is to an unbearable degree. I have been witness to moments where executives like the CPO have belittled an employee during a team call in front of a large group of people. Communication is like a broken telephone game. No transparency at all. There are no Town Halls/AEMs, so forget about any key important updates. No information on company performance, no company OKR updates, not even an email update. Questions are not welcome. You have 2 options. Either do as you are told or you will be perceived as a ‘non-performer’ or someone who is not able to adapt to the company's “start-up” nature. If you are a candidate looking to apply (even after reading this), the CPO and one of the founders will personally look at your LinkedIn profile when approving an offer - if you have a green ‘Open to Work’ frame on your profile picture, you will not be hired. This is seen as an “act of desperation” for people who were “most likely under performing hence why they lost their job”... Recruiters are told that making assumptions about candidates is “standard practice”. So you’re not allowed to have any gaps in your career, no short term experiences, being made redundant etc. Also be mindful of some of the positive comments here, as recruiters were recently encouraged to leave 5 star reviews anonymously to help build the glassdoor rating up. What was most upsetting to see was the clear culture of fear and the inability to speak up because so many people are afraid of losing their jobs. Challenging someone's point of view is a rarity at kevin. Want to resign and make a move from this terrible workplace? You will be seen as someone who is not “deserving” to be a part of the ‘exclusivity club’ (in the words of the CPO) that they are trying to create here. To any candidates: PLEASE do your research before joining an organisation with this executive management team. I wish I had done more.
