The culture at Actalent was a major drawback for me. There was a strong, almost cult-like mentality, with a focus on fitting in and going along with established norms rather than fostering independent thought or diverse perspectives. Heavy drinking was encouraged at work events, especially on sales and corporate teams, which created an unprofessional atmosphere.
I also noticed serious issues with favoritism and management practices. Tenured employees often seemed to hold undue power, and there was a noticeable lack of support for newcomers or those who thought differently. Workload expectations were unrealistic, and I saw firsthand how stress and burnout impacted colleagues' health. HR’s promise to support employees felt hollow, as their primary focus seemed to be protecting the company rather than addressing employees' concerns.
Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives felt superficial. In practice, female employees were often treated differently, and a genuine commitment to DEI was lacking.
Advice to Prospective Employees: If you’re strong-willed or an independent thinker, this may not be the place for you. The culture here expects conformity and sharing personal details to fit in with colleagues. If you’re more of a “yes” person, this might suit you better, but otherwise, it’s likely not sustainable.
