The team culture was like accidentally walking into a nature documentary ‘Wolves in Pink Cardigans'The good thingsOn the surface, interactions were warm, friendly, and supportive — the kind of smiles that photograph beautifully. Beneath that, however, ran a quieter current of whispered alliances, selective storytelling, and a level of behind‑the‑scenes plotting that would impress even seasoned dramatists. The real highlight was discovering how much influence a single colleague’s version of events can have. It’s rare to see a workplace where storytelling is valued more highly than evidence.
The challengesTransparency, communication, and professional conduct, need significant improvement. Clear instead of absent processes would help ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than personal alliances or private conversations.
Support roles should be filled by individuals who demonstrate honesty, consistency, and professionalism, rather than those who rely on selective storytelling or influence.
The psychological impact of being undermined by a colleague and dismissed on the basis of misinformation was significant — and entirely avoidable in a workplace committed to fairness. Leadership would benefit from ensuring that staff are treated with fairness rather than outcomes being decided by social loyalties.
For anyone thinking of working at Estia, I encourage you to look closely at the interpersonal dynamics before making a decision. Not everyone here is as friendly as they appear. Some of the warmest smiles belong to those who do their sharpest work once you've left the room.