As you know, a little over a year ago I changed jobs and eventually found a new position that suits me far better. With some distance and perspective now, I think it is the right time to share an honest account of my experience at my previous company.

I am writing this review to share my experience working at Universal Works, with the aim of providing a clear and factual perspective for those considering employment there. While the company presents itself as a respected name within the UK fashion industry, my experience highlighted several operational and cultural issues that significantly impacted day-to-day work.

At first glance, Universal Works appears to offer an appealing environment. As a relatively well-known independent brand, it promotes a sense of craftsmanship, creativity, and close collaboration. For individuals interested in fashion, particularly within the UK heritage and contemporary menswear space, this positioning can be attractive. However, the internal reality did not fully align with this external image.

One of the main issues was the lack of clearly defined structure. Roles and responsibilities were often unclear, and expectations could shift without notice. Employees were frequently required to take on tasks outside their core responsibilities, sometimes without adequate support or training. While flexibility is often necessary in smaller or growing businesses, the absence of consistent boundaries made it difficult to maintain efficiency or clarity in work.

Management practices contributed further to these challenges. Communication from leadership was inconsistent, and decisions were not always explained or justified. This created uncertainty across teams, particularly when priorities changed without warning. Feedback mechanisms were limited, and when feedback was provided, it was often not actionable or specific enough to support improvement.

Workload management was another area of concern. There was an ongoing expectation to be available beyond standard working hours, and urgent requests were common. This contributed to a lack of work-life balance and made it difficult for employees to maintain sustainable routines. Over time, this environment led to increased stress and reduced overall job satisfaction.

The internal culture also presented difficulties. Collaboration between departments was limited, and communication could at times feel fragmented. Instead of a cohesive team environment, there was often a sense of disconnection between different parts of the business. Opportunities for open discussion or constructive feedback were minimal, which further restricted the ability to address ongoing issues.

No boundaries and toxic culture.
Could have changed since I was there but I DOUBT it.

There isn’t really much else to say except working here made me realise that not all small businesses care.

This summary reflects the overall experience rather than a single isolated issue. While individual experiences may vary, these concerns appeared to be consistent across different areas of the company during my time there.

In terms of compensation, the offering was not particularly competitive relative to the workload and expectations. There was limited transparency around salary progression or performance-based increases. Combined with the demands of the role, this contributed to a perception that employee contributions were not fully recognized or rewarded.

There were some positive aspects. Working within a smaller team allowed for exposure to different areas of the business, which may be beneficial for individuals seeking broad experience early in their careers. The brand itself has a strong identity, and for those passionate about fashion, there is some value in being part of that environment. However, these positives were not sufficient to offset the structural and cultural challenges.

Overall, my experience at Universal Works highlighted the importance of clear leadership, structured processes, and a supportive workplace culture. Without these elements, even companies with strong external reputations can struggle internally. Prospective employees should carefully assess whether they are comfortable working in an environment with limited structure and high expectations, as this may not suit everyone.