Vantaggi
Admittedly by the time you read this review things may have changed considerably. When I left LOVESPACE recently, it was still a company with a small number of overall employees and I am sure it will grow considerably in size as time goes on. I joined the company straight out of university. Pros: * Hard working management - The management team are completely committed to doing a good job and never having our service fall under "unsatisfactory" when things are in our control. It is highly motivating to know your manager is extremely hard working and seeing instances in which you can see how much they give to their roles as workers (as well as being leaders). E.g. During a company lunch my manager was constantly on the phone with customers and ensuring that even when outside, the service customers received over the phone was strong. She ended up not being able to enjoy her lunch anywhere near as much as myself or my colleagues - it is something I always I tried to keep in mind during my own stressful experiences, and gave me the extra motivation to push through and give 100% all the time. * A focus on having a happy workplace. In terms of having a good atmosphere, management encourage bright eyes and smiles. This DOES NOT mean that you are forced to project constant happiness - but if you have any issues you can speak to management about it - they are open and receptive to feedback. * Company culture: Being surrounded by people who are passionate about the company and their jobs. Also having an entrepreneurial spirit in the company - some people join the company wanting to eventually create their own enterprise. * Group responsibility: Regular discussions on how to improve the company - both as a service for customer and also the internal dynamics between workers. These discussions are noted and employees are given particular responsibilities to ensure changes are implemented (e.g. to send a weekly newsletter to give any positive information about the company to employees- in order to keep a high level of morale). * Some of those in management positions were long time workers for LOVESPACE's chairman's previous company (Streetcar). They therefore have a strong vision as to how the company and each of its department will grow and what is needed to do this. * This pro is the lowest on my priority list! But is nice to know about nonetheless. Small company perks included a day out to play Rounders and go on a boat trip for a few hours. Karaoke sessions. Friday beers during office hours. * An extremely smart and experienced managing director (Steve Folwell), combined with an incredibly friendly and encouraging attitude. For a person in my position (being a recent graduate), I had lots of contact time with Steve to speak not just about LOVESPACE but also my own personal project. As long as you have the right attitude and show genuine commitment to your job, he is open and receptive to conversations and is a great presence to have in the office.
Svantaggi
Disclaimer: Although I have a few cons, I have to stress that on balance I was VERY satisfied with my short time with LOVESPACE and think of everyone who works there fondly! * Difference between advertised and actual salary. I was told during interviews in person and over the phone (by 2 separate interviewers), that I would be paid £X per year. However, it was only once I had worked a few days (as part of a trial) that I had my first sit down talk with my department manager - who casually mentioned that my salary would be £X amount, £2 K less than the minimum amount advertised! In the end, this didn't end up being a big deal for me as I was very grateful for my experience with company, it's just something to be aware about - as initially it felt like a big deal to me. I spoke with colleagues in my "department" (only a few of us in total) and they did tell me that they were also being paid less than was advertised. * Slow growth and progression opportunities. Although a well funded start up, the company is being run on a pretty tight ship (which I admire) and hiring for new positions is much slower than I believed it would be. Therefore, it is currently very difficult to progress quickly as the career ladder only has 4 rungs: intern, "executive"/employee, management & then managing director. * Extremely difficult to get a raise. Even if you take on added responsibility, you are not likely to be rewarded financially. To me this wasn't a big deal as I was there for the experience, but a former colleague of mine found it to be very frustrating as their job was becoming more stressful but with little financial incentive. It's both a positive and negative thing that we had a "we're all in this together" approach to our work, as some colleagues were given extra responsibilities with it being seen as just another part of what could potentially be a forever extending job description.