Employee Reviews
(Winged ratings measure job satisfaction on scale of 1 to 5)
Anonymous shared this review of SmartBug Media, United States on Jun 14th, 2021
"SmartBug is filled with really smart people who genuinely want to support one another, both personally and professionally. Everyone (men, women, nonbinary) has opportunity for growth and are fully in control of the pace in which that happens. This year, there is a big Lean In initiative, but women have always been viewed as capable here.
Feedback & Transparency
Though the company is growing, the CEO takes the time to understand each individual employee's unique needs and issues and at least monthly, I hear the reminder to speak up if something isn't working or if you don't feel like the company is upholding their commitment to your growth and work-life balance. Pulse surveys are sent out often, but feedback is welcome anytime, anonymous or otherwise. There is also a quarterly company-wide call that goes over business growth, goals and challenges and a yearly, company-paid, in-person gathering to further develop relationships within the team.
Growth & Diversity
There are weekly training opportunities and stipends for books or development outside of work as well as a mentorship program and a well-organized onboarding process. And diversity and inclusion is a big deal to SmartBug. The CEO is committed to not only supporting women, but all marginalized communities. That includes the standard trainings and readings, but also conversation. The leadership team even facilitates hard discussions and encourages the whole company to share their feelings on world events and systemic issues. They don't shy away from the problem but instead embrace where employees are on them.
Work-Life Balance
You can truly set your hours around your life, including school pick up/drop off, childcare, appointments, dog walks, coffee runs, whatever. As long as you communicate, the day is really yours to build. I’ve worked places where you had to skirt around what you were doing while you weren’t available, but not at SmartBug. Everyone from coworker to manager to CEO puts a real focus on life outside of work. The CEO himself proudly admits that he knows what happens in your personal life will always come before work and leadership at all levels encourage time away from your desk and focusing on things that make you as an individual happy.
Challenges
There are some of those common issues with any agency (managing multiple client relationships) and remote work, but even the cutthroat mentality of many of the agencies I've worked in before doesn't exist here. The only challenge I have had is with the time tracking policy, which makes it feel like I work more than 40 hours though my tracker doesn't reflect it. However, every leader I've spoken to is aware and understanding because they also work within the system and experience the same challenges.
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Are women & men treated equally?
"Yes"
Does the CEO support gender diversity?
"Yes"
One thing SmartBug Media can improve?
"Not much; it's a great place to work"
Recent Salary
$50k-$80k
Level of Flexibility
1
2
3
4
5
Work-Life Friendly Attributes:
Culture, Policies
Is paid parental leave offered, and if so, how much?
"Yes"
4 Weeks Paid | 2 Weeks Unpaid
Would you recommend SmartBug Media to other women?
"Yes"
How supportive is your manager?
1
2
3
4
5
"My manager is great at knowledge sharing and makes it clear that the goal is to get me where I want to go within the organization. Starting week one, my manager's manager and team director have lead conversations about what would help me get a promotion. My direct manager isn't gatekeeping or placing obstacles for my growth, but instead giving advice on how to grow, even if it means he has to get a new direct report. All the steps needed for advancement are tailored to your unique skillset and clearly documented for you to reference at any time."
Which benefits are offered?
Parental leave, Pension, Health care
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Anonymous shared this review of SmartBug Media on Aug 3rd, 2018
"The entire company is remote, which makes SBM an excellent place for working moms or those who think they might become a mom in the future. They are so flexible with pregnant moms, and the only thing that isn't great is the benefits and leave policies. But they are working on these as the company scales. "
Are women & men treated equally?
"Yes"
Does the CEO support gender diversity?
"Yes"
One thing SmartBug Media can improve?
"Improve my benefits (e.g. medical, maternity)"
Recent Salary
$50k-$80k
Recent Bonus
$0-$10k
Level of Flexibility
1
2
3
4
5
Work-Life Friendly Attributes:
Policies, Culture, Hours
Did you take Maternity leave?
"Yes"
0 Weeks Paid | 4 Weeks Unpaid
"The company now offers 2 weeks of paid leave, which I think is great, plus whatever unpaid leave you need. Unfortunately, this was implemented just three months after I needed it :|"
Would you recommend SmartBug Media to other women?
"Yes"
Want to submit a response?