Outdated principles and unhealthy office culture - Marketing Ballantynes Employee Review

There is little progression when working in the office. Annual payrises are in December and minimal - 1-2% and not always delivered. I was negotiated down from the industry standard pay and soon learned that everyone else in my team was too. In the time i worked there, i could not take any leave - i built up an impressive portfolio of leave, of which majority was overtime that was not paid out directly. I was not able to take any more than two days of leave during my time at Ballantynes, none consecutively. I had to work through covid19 - which had me bedridden. During that time i also received feedback from senior management that my work was not up to standard - being sick and unable to function was not a consideration. From that point on, through observation, it became evident to me that the company had an expectation to continue working regardless of leave status - including bereavement leave. The offices are quiet, aside from awkward gossip whispering and the sounds of condolences when other team members of mine broke down. My team leader tried their very best to help us with our constant influx of never-ending work, all of which came under unethical time constraints and little empathy, seemingly getting worse as the months went on. But unfortunately, the pressure was also on our team leader, as it obviously came from above them - they only acted as a shield to reduce the weight being brought down on us. I can only imagine the stress they endured to relieve ours. There are simply not enough people at the Ballantynes offices to do the work that is expected. If you are looking at applying for a job there, be prepared to work a lot of overtime (remember - you don't see that money in hand, only in lieu), not be allowed to take leave, be subject to passive-aggressive attitudes, and a ridiculous workload with little to no time. Expect to burn out. If you have children, don't apply at all.