High Turnover and Toxic Culture Overshadow a Worthy Mission
Pros
1. The organization’s mission is genuinely impactful, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth can be deeply rewarding. 2. High pay and good insurance benefits, which are competitive within the industry. 3. Working with a team of compassionate, skilled people who are dedicated to crisis intervention. 4. Training provided on crisis management and access to industry tools like Salesforce and Genesys, which is useful for professional development.
Cons
1. Leadership lacks transparency and accountability, with a top-down communication style that leaves staff in the dark about important changes and decisions. This creates confusion and instability in an already high-stress environment. 2. There is a concerning lack of support for employees who raise issues related to discrimination or harassment. Management talks about diversity and inclusion, but actions don’t match the rhetoric, which feels dismissive and invalidating for affected staff. 3. Frequent layoffs and constant talk of shutting down services or support lines create a sense of insecurity and anxiety among employees, making it hard to stay focused on the mission. 4. Staff burnout is rampant, as the organization is chronically understaffed and turnover is alarmingly high. This leaves those who stay overloaded with responsibilities, leading to extreme stress and a “just get it done” mentality with little support. 5. Feedback and suggestions are often ignored or dismissed, and there’s a micromanagement culture that erodes trust and autonomy. 6. Employee well-being doesn’t seem to be a priority. 7. Opportunities for advancement are minimal, making it clear that growth and career development aren’t prioritized for employees.