Feb 1, 2018
Academia Response
8yThank you for taking the time to write a review. We're always keen to get feedback, so thank you for your input.
It is naturally disappointing to read some of your points however, as they seem to be somewhat subjective given the context. We strive to maintain a very transparent environment and something like staff benefits and/or commission is often discussed. For example, some of our benefits include childcare vouchers; gym memberships; flexible working where possible; higher than statutory pension contribution; Health Shield; increased annual leave with long service; life insurance; free breakfast; staff discounts on products and the like. To say we have zero benefits therefore is not correct. In addition to this we love to arrange as many team events as possible - both with our vendors / partners and just as the Academia team. In future, should you be unsure of the benefits, I could only encourage you to seek clarity so that you are able to make full use of them.
We ensure as far as possible that everything that should be in writing, is. This could be in the form of a follow up email or letter or even in our policies which are open to all via our central documents folder. I would argue that we are actually quite strong on this point. Again though, if there was any doubt, I would encourage you to ask or seek clarity.
As a sales based company, naturally there would be a lot of focus in this area. But to say that we place higher value on one group against another is simply not true. We work hard to be inclusive and ensure that we are one team striving towards the same goals - this is shown in recent staff feedback from surveys as well as the engagement we receive on team initiatives. In addition, when certain teams are offered incentives (such as a specific sales incentive) we try as far as possible to open a similar initiative to other teams. Do we get it right all the time? Of course not. But we are open in our approach and value staff coming forward with their suggestions for improvement. Our salaries are always being looked at as are our benefits and commission structure. People will always want to earn more and we respect that, which is why we complete salary surveys and the like annually. This is done as a senior management team with many people giving input, so there is no room for any favouritism. Staff are promoted on merit - and more often than not through a structured process - so as to ensure the right people are in the right roles. So much so that individuals are encouraged to put forward proposals for areas / roles that they feel meet their career ambitions as well as the company's goals. This has proven to be really positive as well.
We do hope that our feedback is seen as constructive as that is the intention. As always, please do feel that you can get in touch with anyone of the management team with any additional feedback or thoughts. Thank you again and we wish you only the best.