A company that truly does not give a damn - Media Director Monks Employee Review

2.0
Apr 11, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Extremely comprehensive insurance coverage, decent annual leave days.

Cons

For regional teams that operate under a global structure routing up to Americas, there is a severe lack of communication & proper integration in the recent years. Minimal effort made in truly understanding regional cultures/ Asian ways of working and very top-down. Feedback upwards is often one-sided, seen and treated as complaints, with executives not bothering to fact check allegations with the impacted teams. This created a condescending, fear-based and creativity-stifling working culture. Prior to the tech layoff season, in H1 2023, off-cycle promotions were given to those who attempted to quit, without consulting the direct working team in region nor conducting a proper 360 review that might have said otherwise for some. This resulted in the already existing toxic behaviour to continue to spiral. Being talked down to in a disrespectful & aggressive manner, was a frequent occurrence within senior management and even with clients (anyone who is deemed to be a threat). Google the term “narcissistic abuse in the workplace” and its impact on an originally high functioning team. It is a pity for a company with a strong reputation to have ended up in the current state where the future looks to be somewhat bleak. Genuine empathy and emphasis on a safe working environment is a must for Media.Monks to truly flourish. If that doesn’t happen, my advice - stay away.

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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