Great Company Culture - .. Monks Employee Review

4.0
Apr 5, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay, remote or hybrid option, full benefits, unlimited paid time off, great colleagues, top tear clientele, innovative work within the technology sector. Turn over rate is low - they really want people to stick around.

Cons

Not enough US hires for lead creative and production management roles, most promotions and raises go to teams south of the US border, a lot of outsourcing, you will need to consider quitting if you want higher pay or step into a higher level role. Other than extreme lack of upward mobility at this company for US employees, it’s a good company if you ride it out and the salary and benefits they offer is much better than other agencies or studios which makes it tricky to leave.

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.

2.0
Jul 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

At the time I came on board, EPs were paid well. There are good departments there, like the post department run by Andrew Bell.

Cons

I was interviewed for a staff EP role. After months of interviewing and scheduling delays, I was a final candidate...and then Monks had a hiring freeze and loads of layoffs. It was weeks later they said I should come in as a contract EP. Then, they promised a client something they've never delivered before, and I was lucky to be the person on the team who had actually done it before. But Monks gets in their own way, with antiquated agency hierarchy. Account Managers and Creative Directors are given great governance even if they don't know how to do the job. They disregard production, as if EPs are out to undermine them. They believe EPs are now allowed to be the creative leads, even if they don't have skill or experience to do their own job. There are no thank you's when you save them or solve their problems. Upper Management is useless and absent. You have to sort out how to get things done. Onboarding is non existing. No recognition is given to those who actually did the work, because Monks execs will take it as their own, even if they were absent throughout the entire campaign. Essentially, the main reason why it's a turnstile with layoffs and quitting (even today in 2026) is due to lack of organization, respect and kindness. Even the recruiters are awol and out to lunch. They can't be bothered to return calls. Clients seem unaware, which is another issue because somehow Monks continues to get client work despite the internal turmoil. Inside there is favoritism, clique behaviour, overabundance of bureaucratic unnecessary systems and management hires that are ill equipped to lead...especially at the very top. Kids deal with clients. Elders are those who never really mastered good leadership. It was a very disappointing run with Monks, and many former employees and contractors still have a bad taste from their time spent there, including me.

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