RC/W2O was once really great but has gone downhill recently - Associate Director Real Chemistry Employee Review

2.0
Aug 12, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is an entrepreneurial environment, and one of the most encouraging compared to places I've worked before - you are always welcomed to pursue new ideas and bring it to the table (but good luck finding time to do it). The option to work remotely - even as more companies return to the office or a hybrid model, remote working is highly welcomed.

Cons

Similar to what others have said here - the company is all bite and no bark. The mass exodus from the company has really happened over the last 6-9 months, as a result of poor resourcing choices the came with the insane growth seen in 2019-2020. They continue to hire more senior roles, leaving tedious work for mid-level mangers with little to no support. This has lead to people continuing to recycle "new ideas" but no one to executive on it. You might get a better title, but you're actually work load will be a demotion. Additionally, as they've continued to grow and hire more senior leaders, the lines get blurred between roles. There is no real "roles and responsibilities". The increase priority in billability/finances, etc. is a huge negative weight on everyone's shoulders. You could be 120% billable one month and then the following month drop to 70% and you get reprimanded. This comes with how they do scoping/client billing and constantly low-ball the actually amount of hours needed to complete complex projects. As middle management, you're expected to be 90%-95% billable while also managing your junior staff. While junior staff is also expected to be over 95% billable and gets reprimanded constantly if they want to do additional training/learning development. While they do have perks to help with coaching and mental health, it's just for show because no one actually prioritizes this. They announced "FIT" hours program, which in theory is great, but is not realistic due to the demanding work environments and teams (even managers) not respecting it. I started off great with my salary - but even though they have 2 yearly reviews and yearly bonuses, it's very lackluster. I barely received a 2% increase in salary and with inflation up ~5%, I basically took a payout. Even though my department increased revenue by more than double, we didn't see the benefit of that when it came to promotions and bonuses. Come ready to hear "our vision" presentation at least every 3-6 months, but don't expect it to really change. It's just the same vision just different language. Real Chemistry/W2O was really special when I started. And I always imagined myself there for 5+ years, but it's taken a sharp turn downhill.

Explore other reviews about Real Chemistry

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote work and flexibility, good work life balance

Cons

Can be disorganized and not many vacation days

1.0
Apr 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- none. this company is soul suckingly inefficient and they prefer it that way

Cons

- the most dishonest and toxic work environment that I have ever been a part of - the most unqualified management that I have come across (I have worked across numerous agencies - the work is sketchy at best and clients are grossly over billed. Pressuring employees to over bill clients and trying to force inaccurate or incomplete work through the purposely inefficient review processes is common practice at RC - if you do not over bill your clients your managers will begin to micromanage you in a manner that hints at you not doing enough. - Account teams know nothing about media or advertising and make the most uninformed promises to clients and that media activation is constantly on the hook and being blamed for - they hire very little or no men in general. this place is like a toxic middle school atmosphere, it is truly exhausting to be a part of. - managers will routinely insult you in a way you've never been insulted before at work and nothing will be done about it - information is usually gate kept and teams will prevent you from doing your job while management is asking that you contribute more.

7
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All