Toxic Culture - Senior Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

2.0
Feb 2, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've learned a lot of new skills personally and professionally during my time here.

Cons

The culture is extremely toxic and hypocritical. They expect absolute perfection from entry-level employees with no prior experience in the field. Many employees are overworked and underpaid. The company preaches employees having a voice and flexibility, but employees get denied every time (whether it's a supervisor change, feeling overwhelmed, etc.). They never praise you for your accomplishments and constantly criticize and micro-manage. People are leaving RAPIDLY. I would never recommend this company to a friend or colleague. Management, especially C-suite managers, needs SERIOUS change.

avatar
Smithbucklin Response
2y
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We encourage any employee who feels a struggle with workload to engage in an open discussion with their reviewing supervisor, HR business partner, or senior executive to identify solutions or changes. We also survey employees throughout the year and take action based on feedback to improve processes, reevaluate policies, and identify opportunities for change. We are committed to nurturing an atmosphere of teamwork and fostering an environment that recognizes individual, team, and company achievements.

Explore other reviews about Smithbucklin

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work environment Hybrid work schedule - office and WFH

Cons

Low ceiling for climbing the job ladder.

avatar
Smithbucklin Response
1d
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We're glad you enjoy our work environment and hybrid flexibility. We appreciate you sharing your perspective on career growth.
3.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. Gaining experience in marketing, communications, editorial operations, project management, time management, organizational skills, and interpersonal communication, which can help you become more competent in those areas, learn what you're good at, like and dislike, progress your career with the company, or use the experience to pursue another role that fits your goals. 2. Working a hybrid schedule with the ability to handle your work on a computer is a great lifestyle and flexibility advantage. Working adjacent to Downtown Chicago is an incredible experience that can bring even more lifestyle, professional, and personal opportunities. 3. Networking and getting to know a diverse group of people in the company and your department is great for relationship building, both professionally and socially. 4. Smithbucklin provides a robust onboarding and professional development program, providing support for advancing your career, feeling more comfortable at the company, and pushing you to grow.

Cons

1. Workloads can be overwhelming if not properly managed. Managing tasks for several clients at once demands a higher level of time management, organization, consistency, and interpersonal communication tolerance (for a great number of meetings, emails, and messages) that seem to be quite challenging for many associates. But if you ground yourself and continue to become efficient at your workflows, you can handle it. 2. Performing work across different clients makes it hard to focus and specialize. You may be more of a generalist starting, but by discovering the industries, clients, and type of work you like, you may be able to carve out a path you want. 3. The work itself, which can consist of executing digital marketing, comms, or editorial operations tasks, can seem underwhelming, and the learning curve may take time, but the tasks themselves are not necessarily difficult.

1
avatar
Smithbucklin Response
4w
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you valued the professional development opportunities, hybrid work environment and collaborative culture. We appreciate your time with us and wish you success in your future endeavors.
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All