Feedback on Workplace Experience
Pros
Collaborative team environment and positive office culture. Strong opportunities for involvement through multiple office committees. Commitment to professional growth, including mentorship, support for certifications/licensure, covered exam costs, and access to study materials and groups.
Cons
Limited and costly benefits, particularly health insurance (only a high-deductible plan available, with no longer fully covered medical coverage). Poor 401k match (25% of the first 2% as of 2023, reinstated after Covid). Career advancement is slow and often tied to committee/professional organization involvement rather than performance. Strained relationship between Principals and Senior Principal, creating a toxic dynamic. No annual cost-of-living adjustments; bonuses are limited to titled staff, with none awarded since 2019. Promotions appear to be based more on personal connections than performance; earning licensure/certifications does not translate into salary increases. Employees must self-advocate for raises. Top-heavy structure with too many PMs and Principals/Associate Principals, but not enough production staff. The Executive Committee holds sole authority over raises, benefits, and promotions, requiring studio leaders to advocate individually. Inefficient staffing and workload distribution—some employees are overloaded while others lack sufficient work, largely due to poor communication in PM meetings. This issue has persisted for years.
