If you don't want to read the points below, I'll summarise: I would absolutely not recommend anyone work here; it will stunt your growth in your chosen career as it did mine. I don't regret anywhere I've worked, but VALD feels like a regrettable career decision for me.
The more in-depth points:
- Culture of fear: CEO rules with an iron fist, projects collapse entirely because he's not happy and you're the one to blame not the fact directions are never, ever clear. If you're not liked, you're fired - EVEN if you've passed probation, so make sure you get in touch with Fair Work if that happens. Fun fact: there was a door that said "Don't be ruled by fear" which, ironically, they painted over completely when it became apparent that the business was, in fact, ruled by fear.
- No HR: they don't have a HR team. Red flag. They were very proud of that fact, too.
- Whispers: there are deeply ingrained employees at VALD who report and keep tabs on what you do, where you are, how long you take doing tasks, chatting to people and the like. I understand productivity being important, but the micromanagement is absurd and the lack of trust definitely made me feel good...
- Absurd micromanagement: Every single employee must write a weekly report to the CEO describing what tasks you've done, why tasks weren't, but it needs to be presented as an essay. If it's not in depth enough, you'll cop a hiding from either your superior or the CEO.
- Out of scope work: most of my work became completely out of scope for what I was hired to do, however, I'd say that's because the staff attrition rate was laughable and, from what I've read, seems to continue.
- Work life balance is non-existent: if you don't respond to emails on a weekend or after hours or action something immediately then you're in for a great chat with the CEO or direct superior come Monday morning.
- Old Boys Club: I'm not going to elaborate on it here, I'd just ask that you read the other reviews that mention it because they do a good job of describing the current management status and cliques that exist.
- No tools to do your job: There's never a budget or trust if you want to introduce tools and efficient workflows. You deal with what you've got and don't ask for more.
- There's a "game" to be played, and if you play it your employment is safe and you'll be okay until the CEO doesn't like you anymore and decides to get rid of you. Play their game or you're out.
- Poor communication: communication is not a strong suit there and, as a result, projects fall apart, things get missed and information that goes out is incorrect. You'll also cop a hiding for this too.
- CEO's communication is rubbish and scary and not at all productive: you send an email asking for clarity and the CEO says "you should know the answer," and then you stew over what's going on. He's not to be questioned or trusted by any stretch.
