Former Employee Review:
Former Employee Review:
Audit staff are given an excessive workload and are placed under immense pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. They are often expected to work throughout their lunch break, and during evenings and weekends. There is minimal work-life balance and life revolves around the job. You can be expected to travel at less than 24 hours notice to visit clients who may be based 2-3 hours away. Dains do not seem to vet their clients’ premises before sending staff on site. As a result, some clients’ premises feel unsafe, some are dirty and unhygienic with unusable bathrooms, and others have inadequate heating. Throughout audits, work is repetitive and dull, and it can be challenging and problematic when dealing with uncooperative clients.
A large proportion of staff, particularly the managers, come across as unfriendly, intimidating, vulgar and rude. Managers can often be found whispering amongst themselves, and there are false rumours circulating about staff on a regular basis. I felt extremely uncomfortable when in the office, and struggled to integrate within the team. Support from managers is non-existent and they seem to have no genuine regard for your wellbeing. Managers will lie for their own personal gain. Dains have adopted an autocratic and hostile culture, where a high proportion of individuals are seemingly only out for themselves. The hierarchy of seniority levels is emphasised at every opportunity. Dains seem to have their sights set only on high profit margins and favourable public image.
Everyone must conform to their way of working and must adopt a groupthink approach. Company policies predominantly benefit the minority, and rules are often bent in favour of managers. When claiming back travel time, requests are often rejected, even if time has been rightfully accumulated. Annual leave request can take weeks to be approved, and under no circumstances can you have a second job, even if no conflict of interest exists.
The onboarding process was rushed and I was not provided with sufficient information prior to my start date. Upon starting, it became immediately clear that immense pressure is placed on trainees to pass exams, with the threat of losing your job. Trainees are signed up for a poorly structured learning programme that offers no flexibility, minimal teaching and unrealistic expectations.
This experience completely shattered my confidence and I became resigned and withdrawn; a shell of the person I once was. I am so grateful that I no longer work for Dains.