Beware of Burnout - Director of Strategy Bakery Agency Employee Review

2.0
Nov 3, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Employees are challenged constantly, which allows for several growth opportunities - Most talented, passionate, ambitious team I've ever worked with - Product innovation work is unparalleled vs. other agencies

Cons

- Burnout rate and employee turnover is high – employees are pushed to their limits - Teams and employees are often pitted against each other - Junior employees are put in positions with limited resources, support and training and expected to "figure it out" - Very little mentorship from seniors and leadership - Direct, clear internal feedback is nonexistent - Leadership is disconnected from the day-to-day business activities - Leadership allows clients to dictate timelines and workflows - Employees are frequently put in client-facing positions where they are set up to fail, but expected to succeed - Internal coaching on presentations is exclusively negative, instead of helping employees find their voice or amplify their strengths - Leadership is dishonest about the new business pipeline - No plans to resume in-person work or collaboration - Poor work/life balance is not compensated in any way (perks, salary, etc) - Poor culture and long-term brand vision

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Bakery Agency Response
4y
Thanks for the notes. Many of these callouts are fair. We've certainly struggled often in getting our bearings during the pandemic. Bakery has always been an in-person company and being exclusively remote for 2 years threw things for a loop. Everything turned into a Zoom meeting, there wasn't a natural break between home and work life, and our hours increased astronomically for the first 12-14 months. While we have achieved better live-work balance results since August of 2021, we believe we won't completely return to our previous successes running a balanced time load until we go back to the office. It's unfortunate to read that you believe we have no plan to return to in-person work, as we have publicly put a plan in place with our team and pulled the entire team's opinions on what would be the best way to make it happen. It's unfortunate that you started remote and ended remote. I really feel you didn't get to experience Bakery in our standard environment and culture. I appreciate your suggestions and promise we will continue to learn and grow. -Micky

Explore other reviews about Bakery Agency

5.0
Aug 24, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There is a great culture here. Coworkers become close friends. Senior management has done a lot to make working here feel special. Perks like an on site massage therapist and a coffee shop that's entirely free to staff.

Cons

Senior management and the team who's been here the longest are decided to make this a top ranked agency. Be ready for longer hours and to be pushed to deliver great work. That's fine but it's not for everyone and is the reason I ultimately left.

5.0
Jul 9, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Being here for a good amount of time now, I can confidently say this is the best job I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a place that actually cares about their team, helps them grow, and gives you a true voice in shaping the company, this is the place for you. In my experience (as well as others), the Bakery team has THE most talented, ambitious bunch of weirdos I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. There is a true, defined culture here (with an actual manual and everything) and it shows. For people who invest in what Bakery is building, it is truly magic. Even freelancers who come through here say there is something unique about Bakery. Some other pros: - There’s actual investment in the team (paid courses, trips to ad festivals, access to Masterclass, opportunities for promotions, etc.) - There is support to try new things, fail, and learn - Leadership is transparent with the team about what’s going on - The clients are actually fun and cool to work on, with a lot of potential creative opportunity - We also have a lot of fun together

Cons

Bakery is in a growth phase right now (which is good!) BUT that means there are some growing pains. - The first few months here are a whirlwind for most people - The hours can be long and difficult, like any creative agency - The expectations for the team are really high and only getting higher, and at times it can be difficult and frustrating (but at the end of the day it is in service to the work)

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