Talks a good talk - but aren’t clear on expectations or communication - Anonymous employee Isla Employee Review

1.0
Jan 24, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The team are lovely, they are full of energy and have a genuine passion for healthcare and the work they do. Benefits: Genuinely good, thought out benefits Remote working: they care about being flexible with location

Cons

Total lack of communication: I failed my probation with no prior constructive feedback a month into a three month probation. I had only been told how "Great it was to have me onboard". They told me I had no job effective immediately at my first review meeting, the day I got back from pre-existing holiday, and yet despite being "not right for the job" I was offered twice the required garden leave pay. The reasons for failing my probation was linking an meaningless incorrect file in a Teams chat, and not putting a calendar invite in a calendar while I wasn't working. Coincidentally, less than 2 weeks after I'd shared I had an accessibility need, I was suddenly no longer performing as needed for the role, my manager was concerned about micro managing me and I had failed my probation, at my first review, with no prior warning. When I challenged this and stated there had been absolutely no clear communication, there was no rebuttal just apologies. Culture: As a start up they have little to no structure for HR, respect at work or EDI. In my experience, a lot of potential nepotism takes place and inappropriate high school type playground conversations. Probations should also be a place to support a new starter, and correct any potential issues with performance. Unrealistic expectations: Expected me to fill a role that they were struggling with due to poor bandings in my first two weeks of the job, a role that is still open at the time of this review. They offer flexi hours, but when you use it, and don't complete a task outside of your flexed hours, they take an issue and argue it’s work expected hours, truly defeating the whole purpose. Overall they say they support inclusivity however I expressed on multiple occasions the need for clear and direct communication. To end a probation due to performance, without a single line of concern about said performance prior, is incredibly questionable and also the opposite of what I asked for. They also offered me a glowing reference for my next employer.

avatar
Isla Response
1y
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re truly sorry that your time with us didn’t meet your expectations. We strive to foster a positive and supportive work environment, and we regret that you felt the communication around your probation could have been clearer. Providing constructive feedback is something we take seriously, and we are continuously working to improve this process. We want to make it absolutely clear that the decision was based solely on performance and was not related to disability or accessibility needs. Any suggestion otherwise is entirely inaccurate. Supporting every member of the team, including those with accessibility needs is a priority for us. We are committed to being a responsible, respectful employer who values equality, diversity, and inclusion. We appreciate the contributions you made during your time with us and sincerely wish you all the best in your future career.

Explore other reviews about Isla

5.0
Feb 17, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at Isla means working with smart honest and driven people. The company is always striving to be better for their users and their employees. The product is constantly improving at incredible pace based on client feedback and the responsiveness to users is unmatched. This makes Isla a rewarding company to work for when it is such a loved product by its clients. The workload is heavy but you are encouraged to make use of flexible policies like working remotely, abroad, and flexing your time by a couple hours each day.

Cons

career progression is quite slow relative to what is expected at a start-up and is not clearly defined. capacity is so stretched across the business that colleagues no longer have the chance to teach one another, learn from one another, or have the occasional chat.

2
avatar
Isla Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Isla! We’re thrilled to hear that you appreciate the smart, driven team and the rapid evolution of our product. We take great pride in fostering a culture that values both our users and our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on career progression and capacity challenges. As we grow, we’re actively looking for ways to create clearer development paths and ensure teams have time to collaborate and learn from each other. If you have any thoughts on what would make a difference, we’d love to hear them. Your insights help us continue improving Isla for everyone! Kind regards, Isla team
5.0
Aug 16, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at Isla is a truly rewarding experience. The flexible work environment and supportive culture make it a dynamic and enjoyable place to be. The team is diverse and inclusive, with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. The pace is fast and energising, providing constant challenges that keep you engaged. The Founders are brilliant, fostering a workplace that’s not only fun but also deeply meaningful. Every day, I’m proud to contribute to a company making a positive impact on healthcare, where everyone is dedicated to improving patient care and supporting clinicians.

Cons

It's a wonderful place to work, with the excitement and energy that comes with a small, fast-growing business. The pace keeps things dynamic and engaging, making every day an opportunity to learn and thrive.

2
avatar
Isla Response
1y
Thank you for sharing your experience in such a thoughtful way. It means a lot to hear that Isla has been a rewarding and energizing place for you, and that you feel proud of the impact we’re making in healthcare. Creating a flexible, inclusive, and supportive environment is something we care deeply about, so it’s wonderful to know that it resonates. We’ll absolutely keep striving to maintain this culture as we grow! If you ever have ideas on how we can make things even better, we’d love to hear them. Kind regards, Isla Team
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All