Started with promise, but lack of respect and poor internal culture overshadow any positives. - Manager Softcat Employee Review

3.0
Sep 18, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Initial onboarding and company culture seem positive. Opportunities to work with some talented individuals. Access to various communities and support networks.

Cons

Lack of Professional Respect: Frequent exclusion from key meetings or updates that are essential to your role, creating frustration and inefficiency. Some colleagues take over responsibilities that should be handled by others, undermining roles like Project Managers. Toxic Internal Culture: Passive-aggressive behaviour, gossip, and a strong sense of cronyism. It’s commonly understood that internal roles are often pre-filled, making it discouraging to apply for jobs unless specifically approached. Poor Communication Practices: Overwhelming number of all-company emails, constant meeting clashes, and a general disregard for transparency. People frequently chat privately during important presentations, making collaboration feel disingenuous. Triggering Community Emails: Sensitive topics like baby loss and suicide are frequently shared via company-wide emails, which can be deeply triggering for individuals who are looking to escape personal hardships while at work. Company Events with Poor Safeguarding: The annual event mandates room-sharing with colleagues, creating uncomfortable situations, especially with the event's excessive alcohol consumption. Safeguarding measures are not adequately considered, for instance that same sex assaults are a possibility. Role Conflicts: Many roles overlap, leading to constant frustration for talented employees who struggle to find clarity or purpose in their work. Awards Over Actual Substance: The company heavily focuses on applying for and winning awards, which results in constant questionnaires and marketing efforts. Unfortunately, the effort is directed more toward securing the awards than genuinely embodying what the awards represent. This creates a disconnect between the company’s perception and the reality of how their staff feel.

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Softcat Response
1y
Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave such detailed and valuable feedback, we really appreciate you taking the time. We would be really keen to discuss your experience in more detail if you would feel comfortable - please reach out to me directly on linseyco@softcat.com. Many thanks, Linsey

Explore other reviews about Softcat

5.0
Mar 21, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Softcat places a strong emphasis on its core values: fun, community, intelligence, and passion. This vibrant workplace atmosphere is characterized by kindness and a spirit of unity and helpfulness with people willing to lend a hand. Softcat encourages collaboration by offering the opportunity to do induction in Headquarters in Marlow, England. This initiative strengthens relationships among team members and gives a sense of belonging. Softcat is a great place to work.

Cons

I haven't found one yet. :)

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Softcat Response
1y
Thank you for your review! It's wonderful to see you have experienced the Softcat values and your review highlights the strong sense of community and passion that make Softcat a standout workplace. We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying your time here so far. Many thanks, Linsey
5.0
Mar 20, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Having a supportive team, competitive salary, and focus on work-life balance, Softcat aims to provide a workspace outside the experience one might usually find in corporate America. In my time here, they have delivered on each front by encouraging us to learn and lean on each other while in the office, the space has become collaborative rather than competitive, which has been an inspiring point to put my best foot forward. Various team outings, in-office events, or shared lunches with direct seniors shed light on the people behind the business model and established workplace comradery I was unfamiliar with.

Cons

While the team is supportive, the learning curve can be steep and sometimes overwhelming. With Softcat's wealth of offerings, it's important that you prioritise time management skills and lean on your seniors in the beginning, which can, at times, feel discouraging; without a true daily marker for progress, you may not know how much you have already learned in a short time.

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Softcat Response
1y
We really appreciate your detailed and thoughtful review! It's great to hear you feel Softcat fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, standing apart from traditional corporate experiences. Your reflections on team outings, shared lunches, and the focus on learning highlight the strong sense of our culture. We appreciate your recognition of the challenges, such as the steep learning curve, and your advice to management offers valuable insight for continued growth moving forward. Many thanks, Linsey
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