They grew too quickly - Senior Strategist Monks Employee Review

3.0
Nov 4, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Big name clients. - Nice looking work for folio. - Good for those just starting out. - You will work on many things quickly.

Cons

- They grew too quickly and hired too many average or low skilled people. - They over invest in the way the work looks but under invest in the thinking behind it, meaning the work looks shiny but is often not effective. - It is rare to see any actual strategy or original creative done. - The operating model of “faster, better, cheaper” is a literal joke in the industry. In reality they always have to pick two just like everyone else. - The place is filled with big egos but not much skill to back it up (other than design). - They are good at making a splash externally but it’s often all smoke and mirrors. - known for lower than market rate salaries without yearly pay increases. - They are an asset production company trying to prove to the world that they can be more than that, which is not a massive con but still creates some friction internally. - The business is chaos, no one knows who is supposed to be working on what. It is not uncommon to be thrust into meetings with no idea why you are there. This chaotic nature gives rise to anxious staff and creates many tyrants across the business that are good at getting things done quickly but poorly through toxic work practices.

Explore other reviews about Monks

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It's been such a pleasure, joy and fresh air to work here. I'm respected, as is my work life balance.

Cons

Leadership hasn't always been consistent with their words and actions, making it feel scary and tumultuous at times.

1.0
Jul 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote Work life balance Benefits

Cons

I was brought on under the premise of working on 1 large account, and was thrown onto 3 clients within weeks of being there, two of which were new business. No training on basic tools but hours of security and harassment training Was made to believe during the hiring process that I would be working for a global agency, where people had and wanted tenure. The reality was working through an integration of a handful of small shops, and their small-budget clients. Everyone using different tools and adhering to various (no) processes. The expectation is that you are going above and beyond to grow your clients scope/investment, the reality is that you are lucky if you have any idea how to pitch a new AI tool or service. Departments are totally disconnected and have little understanding of ways of working given the integration and insane rate of employee turnover. I had a handful of managers in my first 5 months on the job. They pushed the merit cycle back 6 months Despite my strong client and team standing, my position was eliminated effective immediately, including benefits, on the last day of the month. Bare minimum severance.

5
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