Pros
The discount and the colleagues
Kontras
Shifts get cut and changed. Salary is very low and you never get a raise. Upper management is openly bullying and mocking (I'm talking mass email call outs, open insults and shouting, withheld opportunities) - there is an "elite" group of longstanding friends that get all the perks whilst the rest of the staff are worked like and treated like dogs
Pros
This company does give generous staff discounts.
Kontras
Leadership presence and anxiety: When senior leadership visited, the effect on my team felt more like anxiety than clarity. I value leading from the front; what I observed felt closer to motivating through pressure. Pay vs. standards: The consistency demanded by senior leadership was often abstract, which felt more like trying to fearfully anticipate a director’s taste than following leadership. Performance reviews at odds with roles: Corporate style performance reviews were applied to staff on or near minimum wage. While I agree with the idea of “finding the right people,” I experienced some feedback as inappropriately personal. In-group labels: The phrase “BK person” used in a team meeting to differentiate employees; a mean-spiritedly narrow definition of “fits.” Public naming in a meeting: A specific short coming of colleague from another store singled out by senior leadership as an example in a team meeting. The public criticism, without full context, felt extremely unfair, unnecessary and demoralizing. Behaviour at a staff event: At a company event, I witnessed behaviour that I would experience as bullying. My colleague was left shaken and upset. Serious concern reported by a colleague: A colleague confided that they felt mistreated. I wasn’t part of any HR process, but from my vantage point it seemed the response did not resolve their concern.
Pros
- Collaborative Team Environment: a supportive and friendly atmosphere where teamwork is highly valued, and where you are given the freedom to contribute and develop ideas. - Opportunities for growth: regular training and development in both retail and culinary skills, internal promotions - Passion for quality: Focus on high-quality products and services, which fosters pride in your work - Customer and Team Engagement: direct interaction with passionate food enthusiasts, making my work rewarding - Employee Discounts: access to premium kitchenware and cookware with a big discount, as well as a friends & family discount after working for Borough Kitchen for a few years - Dynamic Workplace: engaging and fast-paced work environment with diverse daily tasks, striving to deliver the best results - Creative Freedom: opportunities to share your culinary knowledge and contribute ideas - Flexibility for Parents: supportive scheduling options that help balance work and family life - Fun Social Events: annual summer and Christmas parties, there's often a budget for food or drinks for team meetings, if someone is trying out new recipes they're often cooking or baking for colleagues - Access to an Employee Assistance programme: free counselling services, along with discounts on various wellness and lifestyle services
Kontras
The work can be quite dynamic and busy, which may be challenging at times, but also offers plenty of variety and keeps things engaging.