KITSCH, a brand often celebrated for its stylish accessories and beauty products, is facing a troubling reality behind the scenes. While the brand’s public image might exude charm and sophistication, employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor paint a much bleaker picture of life within the company. With a middling 3.1 out of 5 stars rating based on 93 employee reviews, KITSCH’s internal culture and management practices raise significant concerns about its treatment of employees and overall work environment.
A Mediocre Reputation at Best
KITSCH’s 3.1-star rating falls below the average rating for employers in the retail and wholesale industry, which sits at 3.5 stars. While this score might not seem drastically low, it’s telling that only 54% of employees would recommend the company to a friend, and a mere 53% approve of the CEO, Cassandra Thurswell. Such numbers reflect a workforce that is, at best, divided in its opinion of the company’s leadership and culture.
Toxic Management and Unapproachable Leaders
One of the most alarming themes in KITSCH’s reviews is the criticism directed at its management. Employees frequently describe the company’s leaders as unapproachable, with one review stating, “The managers are also unapproachable most of the time.” This lack of accessibility creates a barrier to effective communication and trust, leaving employees feeling isolated and unsupported.
Adding to this, several reviews highlight a culture of perfectionism that comes at the expense of effective leadership. One employee lamented, “She always looks for perfection but her leadership is horrible!” Such feedback indicates that the pursuit of high standards is often overshadowed by poor managerial skills, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration among employees.
A Culture of Discrimination and Double Standards
Perhaps the most damning allegations against KITSCH involve discrimination and double standards. One employee recounted their experience, stating, “The double standards, the discrimination, it was horrible!! Employees were belittled, and managers were arrogant! They will make you feel like an outsider and awfully miserable!” Such strong words paint a picture of a toxic work environment where fairness and respect are in short supply.
Discrimination in the workplace is not only unethical but also illegal, and these claims should raise serious red flags for anyone considering joining KITSCH. If left unaddressed, such issues could result in significant legal and reputational damage for the company.
Overwhelming Workloads and Favoritism
Another recurring complaint among employees is the overwhelming workload and unequal distribution of responsibilities. According to one review, “Responsibilities were overwhelming and stressful. Workload isn’t equally distributed and the manager’s to blame! Could be due to favoritism or mere incompetence!” This sentiment suggests that favoritism may play a role in how tasks are assigned, leading to an unfair and demoralizing work environment.
When favoritism and incompetence dominate managerial practices, employees’ morale and productivity inevitably suffer. Such an environment not only harms individual employees but also hinders the company’s overall performance and growth.
High Expectations and Poor Communication
While high expectations can drive excellence, they must be paired with clear and effective communication. Unfortunately, this balance seems to be missing at KITSCH. One review pointed out, “High expectations, and occasional communication gaps.” These gaps can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and further dissatisfaction among employees.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful organization, and its absence at KITSCH is yet another indication of deeper systemic issues within the company’s management.
Advice to Management: Will They Listen?
Employees have not been shy about offering advice to KITSCH’s management, though it remains to be seen whether these suggestions will be taken to heart. Among the key recommendations:
- Be Fair and Professional: “Be fair to everyone and act professional!” This plea underscores the need for impartiality and respect in all interactions.
- Choose Managers Objectively: “This company needs to choose managers objectively, based on qualifications and leadership.” The importance of selecting competent and fair leaders cannot be overstated.
- Improve Communication Across Departments: Clear and consistent communication is essential for fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
A Call for Change
The employee reviews on Glassdoor reveal a company in dire need of introspection and change. From toxic management and discrimination to overwhelming workloads and poor communication, KITSCH has a long way to go in creating a workplace that truly values and supports its employees.
Companies like KITSCH must recognize that their employees are their greatest asset. Ignoring their voices and concerns not only damages morale but also risks long-term harm to the company’s reputation and success. It’s time for KITSCH to take these criticisms seriously and work towards building a more inclusive, fair, and supportive work environment.
Until then, potential employees should approach KITSCH with caution, keeping in mind the experiences of those who have come before them. A stylish exterior cannot mask the dysfunction that lies beneath, and it’s up to KITSCH’s leadership to decide whether they will rise to the challenge of meaningful change or continue down their current path.
