Latest news with #toxicworkplace
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty faces claims she 'bullied a colleague and made off-air sex jibe' as the show is embroiled in misconduct probe
Naga Munchetty was reportedly accused of bullying a member of staff. The presenter, 50, who is already at the centre of BBC Breakfast's toxicity row, was also reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live. Naga's representatives have been approached for comment and it is unclear whether she will rebut the claims in The Sun. This comes as BBC Breakfast finds itself at the centre of a bullying and misconduct probe, with editor Richard Frediani taking an extended period of leave after an internal review of the allegations was opened into the show. According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break. The alleged remark in 2022 was said to have stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses. It was then reported that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman. The BBC are now reportedly facing questions over whether there are 'double standards'. When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Naga Munchetty for comment. It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani has taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show. The Sun claimed that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break. Sources are also claiming that BBC bosses have held a series of meetings on how to handle the developing crisis. In an internal email obtained by the publication, John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, thanked staff for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Richard's decision. A source added: 'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect. 'He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss. 'BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. Right now, it's imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.' When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC representative said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' On Thursday, Deadline reported that a consultant had been drafted in to help steer an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations on BBC Breakfast. Staff have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process. It had previously been reported earlier this week that a bullying probe had been opened into BBC's flagship Breakfast show, with the investigation set to look into claims dating back as far as 2019. A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'. They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Lineker's departure from the channel after becoming embroiled in a controversial row over antisemitism. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. However one BBC source contested this statement, saying: 'The BBC claim to be such a wonderful employer and look after their staff.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE BBC Breakfast in crisis over 'loathed' boss: Naga Munchetty 'refuses to talk to editor' amid tensions with co-host Charlie Stayt as flagship show is rocked by 'bullying' probe
BBC Breakfast is in total crisis because Naga Munchetty and other presenters apparently no longer speak to their 'loathed' boss, it was claimed today. Naga is also alleged to have fallen out with her co-host Charlie Stayt amid tensions behind the scenes on the 'cosy' morning show. The BBC has launched a bullying probe into its flagship morning show, which has been branded 'toxic' behind the scenes in yet another crisis for the corporation, it has been claimed. In April, MailOnline exclusively revealed some staff had expressed unhappiness with the show's bullish editor Richard Frediani, accusing him of being on occasion 'aggressive' and 'belittling' towards his underlings. Now, tensions are said to be 'rife' between hosts and Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, who has already expressed her uneasiness about Frediani's behaviour. One BBC insider told MailOnline that it is incredible that Frediani continues to wield so much power because he is so divisive. He is being blanked by colleagues including his own on-screen talent, the source claimed. MailOnline's senior insider said Richard Frediani is 'loathed' by some at BBC Breakfast. 'There is now a bonkers situation where half the presenters don't even speak to him', the same source said. Richard Frediani, who is nicknamed Fredi at the BBC, is said to have left the newsroom 'divided'. Some can't stand him, others say he is just a tough boss. A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'. They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025. MailOnline contacted BBC, Naga and Charlie's reps for comment. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Lineker axed over Anti Semitism claims. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. Yet staff say this message is hard to take seriously.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC Breakfast rocked by 'bullying probe' in latest crisis for corporation with 'tensions rife' between hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt
The BBC have reportledy launched a bullying probe into it's flagship Breakfast show, which has been branded 'toxic' behind the scenes in latest crisis for the corporation. In April, MailOnline exclusively revealed some staff had expressed unhappiness with the show's bullish editor Richard Frediani, accusing him of being on occasion 'aggressive' and 'belittling' towards his underlings. Now, tensions are said to be 'rife' between hosts and Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, who has already expressed her uneasiness about Frediani's behaviour, with the probe said to have left the newsroom 'divided'. A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the . 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'. They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025. MailOnline have contacted BBC, Naga and Charlie's reps for comment. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Linekar axed over Anti Semitism claims. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff tell me they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Judging by her behaviour, one employee who appears to take issue with Frediani is BBC Radio 2 newsreader Tina Daheley. She was announced as a presenter on News at One last May but has not yet appeared on air. Sources at the broadcaster say Daheley had reservations about her boss after their conversations about the role last year. The situation, however, remains unclear. The issue was likely exacerbated by a mistake by the BBC press office in announcing News at One's presenting line-up. The press release featured images of the white news anchors but did not picture Daheley, who is of South Asian descent. The press office took full responsibility for the error, which was quickly corrected after Daheley voiced her dismay. Frediani is understood to have apologised to her. Yet the allegations against Fredani – who was approached by The Daily Mail before publication but did not respond to a request for comment. Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. Yet staff say this message is hard to take seriously.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga Munchetty & Charlie Stayt spiral & boss branded tyrannical
A BULLYING investigation has rocked the BBC's flagship morning show. It follows claims the atmosphere on BBC Breakfast has become toxic, with hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt falling out. 3 3 And boss Richard Frediani has been accused of 'tyrannical' behaviour. A source said: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. 'But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture.' It is just the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros come under investigation and Match of the Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for inappropriate behaviour. Just a month ago, Frediani, known as Fredi, was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. But, away from the cameras, the source revealed all was not well, saying: 'Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. Source 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. "There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' Other presenters including Sally Nugent and John Kay are said to have been asked for their views. The show's deputy editor Liam Blyth has been conducting sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The sessions are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One of them led to a formal grievance last year. 'Believes he will be vindicated' Complainants alleged they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. It was investigated by the BBC and the woman's complaint was upheld. Another BBC insider defended Frediani, saying: 'Yes, he is a bit of perfectionist but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' It was also reported Naga and Charlie, who present from Thursdays to Saturdays, had fallen out. But in a recent interview Naga insisted they were 'good friends'. The BBC said it would not comment on HR issues.
Fast Company
13-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Red flags to look for during a job interview
One of the worst mistakes I ever made applying for a job was ignoring red flags during the job interview process. Looking back, there were several things that made me uneasy. But I was enamored with how the company described its culture, the people, and the role, and so I ignored them. As it turned out, all of those things were poorly defined or a far cry from what was promised. I had left a toxic work environment only to end up in an equally bad situation. Sometimes, as job seekers, we're so desperate to escape our current situations that we forget job interviews are a two-way street. We overfocus on performing well during interviews and forget to ask questions about the company or role (or ask only surface-level questions). But the more you can try to suss out during the interview process, the better shape you'll be in when deciding whether or not to accept or decline an offer. Here are some best practices. Red flags Some companies are not great at writing job descriptions—or they'll write perfect versions of a role that don't reflect reality. When you're talking to the hiring manager, ask about day-to-day responsibilities. The manager should have a crystal clear idea of what you're expected to do, even if the description is, 'You will wear a lot of hats.' I've worked for many small companies where I was expected to adjust to an ever-changing role. That can be fine, as long as you know upfront and your performance is evaluated accordingly. If the company only has a vague idea of what it needs from the role, odds are it won't be possible for you to meet expectations. It's also a red flag if the company asks you to put a significant amount of work into the interview process. During the first interview, you should ask how many additional interviews you can expect. Three half-hour interviews total? Probably fine. Five hour-long interviews, plus a lengthy, unpaid test assignment? That company doesn't value your time, has trouble making decisions, or both. What to ask the interviewer You'll want to ask for details about the team structure and the type of work you'll be doing. These basic questions will help you determine if it's a job you'd enjoy. But a few probing questions can help you learn more about the company itself. 'Why is this role open?' Is the company in growth mode and needs to add to the team? Did the prior person leave because they accepted their dream job? Or has the company experienced a lot of turnover? 'How flexible is the work environment?' If flexibility is important to you, you'll want to ask the right questions. Some companies claim to be flexible when, in reality, they aren't. A good question to ask is whether people work synchronously or asynchronously. If people work synchronously, the company is probably less flexible. You can also ask how many meetings you can expect per week, which will impact your flexibility. 'How is feedback given?' This ties into how well the role is defined. Does the company have a formal review process? If so, how often? You want to make sure you can meet expectations, even if expectations are ever-changing at a small company. Don't end up in the same bad job situation Companies will likely look at your LinkedIn profile and ask for references, trying to determine what kind of an employee you are. You should do the same. Check Glassdoor, but read reviews with a grain of salt. Employees of small companies may be afraid to leave reviews, and sometimes reviews are skewed toward employees who had negative experiences. You can also check LinkedIn. Find former employees and look at how long they were with the company. One employee with a short tenure doesn't say much, but lots of turnover is a red flag. If you're comfortable, you could even send a DM to a former employee and ask about their experience. As a job seeker, it's your version of 'checking references.' Above all, don't ignore your gut. If you get a bad vibe during the interview, it will probably be magnified once you're hired. Unless you're desperate for a new role, it's better to keep looking than to end up in a job you regret. —Anna Burgess Yang
