A toxic culture where ethical conduct was absent and values-based work was actively discouraged.The good thingsThe only aspect I appreciated was the initial opportunity to work in a customer-facing role where I could apply my values-based approach to service. I entered the role with genuine enthusiasm, hoping to contribute to a team culture that prioritised integrity and care. Unfortunately, the reality did not reflect the expectations set during recruitment.
The challengesThe workplace culture was exclusionary and psychologically unsafe. Leadership demonstrated a sustained pattern of undermining behaviour, including coercive comments about resignation, obstruction of onboarding, and discouragement of open dialogue. Prejudicial treatment was evident in remarks suggesting that my suitability for the role was negatively impacted by my gender and age, delivered in emotionally charged one-on-one meetings. These comments were not isolated and contributed to a broader pattern of marginalisation.
Feedback was withheld or delivered in ways that discouraged professional growth. Attempts to raise concerns were met with defensiveness or minimisation, and senior leaders openly dismissed the organisation’s stated values. The culture prioritised business metrics over ethical conduct, and those who challenged this were isolated and obstructed.