Disconcerting experience that still has an impact to this day.
Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich
At first, the atmosphere was generally lighthearted and fun, with people from different cultural backgrounds and professions. However, there were some typical challenges commonly seen in the agency and marketing world. The situation changed when management shifted. Several rounds of layoffs occurred, and the team culture became more uniform. During this time, some practices seemed less transparent and more divisive, which created an environment where self-reflection appeared to be lacking, while blame was often placed on those facing difficulties or perceived as underperforming. This led to a noticeable decline in professionalism, work quality, and employee well-being, particularly for those who felt uncomfortable with the power dynamics within the agency. I personally observed practices regarding terminations and employee treatment that raised concerns.
Design and motion design roles often involved large assignments on short notice, with briefs that were unclear or lacked critical details. This created confusion and additional pressure on the team. The art department frequently had to wait for the creative teams to finish their work, which was often done at the last minute. In general, the expertise of the art studio was not always fully utilized or valued. Rather than collaborating, some creatives would alter the work from the art studio, which disrupted the workflow. Overtime became routine, whether late at night or on weekends, to meet deadlines for projects that sometimes lacked proper structure. Many employees found themselves working extra hours due to a very hands-on approach from account managers, who were often overly involved in every detail of the project, rather than allowing specialists to handle their own work. The lack of clear project planning and the frequency of unproductive meetings left little room for creativity. Client projects were often rushed, and while efforts were made, the results sometimes did not meet expectations.
It seemed that the agency occasionally protected its interests by presenting a version of events that did not always align with what employees experienced. Those who did not align with certain internal dynamics often found themselves in a difficult position. Many felt they had to make personal adjustments to navigate the workplace and avoid difficult situations related to discrimination or harassment. I personally took a stand to protect those who were facing unfair treatment, and while the experience was difficult, I do not regret my actions.
Many reviews from individuals who had negative experiences at the agency appeared to be removed from the Kununu platform, and some of the newer reviews seem to downplay or reframe those experiences.
My time at Granny left me with some difficult memories, and I still reflect on how important it is to maintain a clear boundary between professional and personal life.
Kollegenzusammenhalt
Many extraordinary and brilliant people have been at Granny's.