Vantaggi
Unlocked offers a mission driven environment where staff will go above and beyond to help each other where they can. There's a strong focus on sharing successes and celebrating positives which is facilitated in weekly calls. There is a focus on giving staff context of why they're working towards the mission - from prison visits, to hearing from ambassadors and those with lived experience - all very helpful and inspiring. The office is bright and airy in a great central location and there is a very cool breakout space that used to be a courtroom.
Svantaggi
Despite the positives, working at Unlocked Graduates has been one of the most exhausting experiences of my career. The CEO and majority of the SLT are not only out of touch with reality but also exhibit a toxic level of privilege that permeates the entire company. This attitude is evident in how staff are overworked with little to no regard for their well-being and shows in the number of managers who left my team in less than a year (all leaving to take burnout breaks). Diversity is severely lacking in the staff body and 'efforts' are tokenistic at best. The organisation fails to create an inclusive environment, particularly for global majority staff. The expectation to be constantly available and in the office is overwhelming, especially when being in the office subjects you to distraction and overhearing comments that show a total disconnect from the reality of the cost of living crisis and any semblance of understanding what a healthy work-life balance is. There's a pervasive culture of burnout, and anyone who dares to prioritise work-life balance is labeled as not committed enough, not values driven or 'not the right fit'. The pressure to conform to the CEO and SLT's unrealistic and unsustainable demands creates a suffocating atmosphere that stifles any semblance of personal life or mental well-being. If you value your mental health, personal time, and being part of a truly diverse and supportive workplace, Unlocked Graduates is not the place for you.