My experience at the ERM highlighted significant challenges, including a toxic work environment, poor leadership, gender inequality, and lack of support and growth opportunities. However, I valued the flexibility to work from home when possible and the support I received from the junior staff members.The good thingsMany of the younger or more junior team members are great to work with, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere among peers.
There’s the option to work from home when not involved in fieldwork, and teams that aren’t required to be in the field can work remotely full-time, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
The challengesToxic Work Environment: The Melbourne office has a negative, demeaning culture, particularly towards graduates, with little support or training.
Lack of Career Growth: No opportunities for professional development, and mistakes are punished rather than seen as learning opportunities.
Gender Inequality & Safety Concerns: Women are treated unfairly, put in unsafe field situations, and often expected to travel alone to rural areas without adequate support.
Poor Leadership: Senior team members, including the lead partner, display immature, arrogant behavior and lack people management skills, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Underpaid & Overworked: Salaries are significantly below industry standards, and graduates are expected to spend excessive time (90%) in the field, far beyond the promised 50%.
Poor Communication & Team Collaboration: A lack of communication between teams creates division and isolates employees, making it difficult to get support when needed.
No Internal Mobility: There are no options to transfer between teams, limiting career growth within the company.
Unrealistic Expectations: Workload targets (e.g., UB targets) are impossible to meet, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety among staff.