Avoid working here at all costs! - Marketing Unilever Employee Review

1.0
Jan 19, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A global business with great brands.

Cons

1. Awful Leaders: Senior leadership team are extremely self centered and have there own agenda where countless hours and investment is focused on justifying a failed digital transformation that doesn't put it's employees at the center of any decisions. A lack of trust is evident between senior leadership with colleagues openly mentioning they don't trust one another where team meetings with Directors take you back to school; if you're not loud enough then don't bother attending - You can succeed here but at the expense of someone else's happiness. 2. Toxic work culture: The lack of trust at senior leadership level cascades through the business which creates a lack of trust with teams; no empowerment in getting your job done where managers will often breathe down your neck unnecessarily. Be prepared for your small mistakes and imperfections to be amplified and shared to senior stakeholders than be encouraged and celebrated such as avoid talking at desks. 3. Fixed mindset: Have a new idea to improve existing business processes? Don't bother as this will be disregarded. Expected as the senior leadership team are unable to look outside of there Unilever Bubble as this is the only organisation they have worked for and are not change embracers. 4. Zero Diversity Networks: Disappointed to work for an organisation that does not have diversity and inclusion networks with one person of colour in the leadership team in Leatherhead. 5. Awful Offices: For an organization that claims to be sustainable and Earth Loving, Unilever use disposable plastic cups near kitchen areas where men's toilets do not have Urinals. 6. Poor Communication: Infrequent communication from leadership team on critical business news. 7. No Recognition: Don't expect any recognition for going above and beyond the line of duty as management are too focused on outputs and there own learning and development than caring and nurturing your team and focusing on what there needs are. 8. Microwaves: Dont bring your own packed lunch unless you're willing to wait for up to 50 minutes waiting to use one of three microwaves in the Leatherhead offices which has +1000 employees. 9. Technology: Expect to have your laptop given to you towards the end of your first day as this would not be ready or organized beforehand. The laptop specifications are awful so be expected to join the IT Support Center queue to recover your files after being the 6th person in your team to have the blue screen of death. 10. No Induction: No inductions were provided with key stakeholders or team members; you won't be able to understand how your role contributes to the organisation or understand what perks are available.

avatar
Unilever Response
6y
We are sorry to hear about your experience, Unilever is keen to address your specific concern. We request that you share your feedback with your Line Manager in the first instance, to ensure that appropriate action is taken. We will send this on to the relevant HR teams based at Leatherhead to investigate.

Explore other reviews about Unilever

5.0
Mar 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The People , Clean Workspace, Benefits Are Good

Cons

Not Always Knowing Whats Going On Within Plant

2.0
May 6, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working with brands you grew up with is really exciting! The people I have met have all been amazing as well!

Cons

Everyone I have talked to are overworked and feel underpaid and despite the amount of work they do, there is no recognition or appreciation. Upper management is a mess and UL is constantly restructuring, often going from new BACK to the old structure while simultaneously letting people go leaving more people overworked. While most people are amazing, there are a few micromanagers where expectations are unknown. In addition, the lack of communication is awful. Often, I hear about certain cuts through the vine rather than directly from the people involved

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All