I worked at KPMG GDC for about 9 months. Being straight out of college, I really did look forward to see how I can grow in the audit space. After about 2 weeks of very intense training, we we're finally able to be a part of respective teams on "The Floor". As fancy as that sounds, "The Floor" was something I began to dread in a few months.
I did have a wonderful work buddy that was super supportive, guiding me every step of the way. But that in no way compensated for everything else. I belonged to a team that did not speak any English, and primarily stuck to their own local vernacular. The irony is that the HR team instructs you to speak in English on the day you join.
Then comes the "Busy Season". Employees work for a minimum of 12 hours without any overtime pay and it really does take a toll on you- physically, mentally and emotionally. Might I remind you, the so called busy season happens at the end of every quarter which technically adds up to 6 months a year of working a 12 hour shift.
The Director goes around telling everyone that we are "Auditors". The truth is, we're not auditing; we're just doing the dirty backend work that actual auditors in the US don't have time to do.
I changed teams 3 times in 9 months, which I thought was ok because I got to meet and interact with different folks across the office. I happened to be in a team with a manager who didn't let us talk, always complained when we went for a quick coffee break, and never found a reason to life his team up. I soon realised flattering your managers would ensure you get recognised.
Let's talk about the HR team. A HR team is supposed to be supportive, that was never the case! I realised that once I joined, they didn't really give their new hires a second thought, and in my opinion, that's just bad employee experience. Even on my last day, they were so cold about my exit formalities, and made me follow up several times. I mean, I don't blame them; I'm pretty sure it's an everyday story.
Did I forget to mention that employees are grossly underpaid for the work they are made to perform.
Here's where you're probably wondering - it was the start of my career, of course you'll be made to work like crazy. But KPMG, you really outdid yourselves on the overworking your employees piece. I remember an employee being recognised because he stayed the night in office to complete a work paper! That's what you expect employees to do in order to get recognised.
Perhaps it's the industry, perhaps I wasn't cut out for audit, but it's important for you to be ethical. Treat your employees well, they too are your key stakeholders in the company along with your engagement teams across the globe. Why don't you adopt an "employee comes first" methodology? Believe me when I say it'll work wonders to the dynamic you have going now. Team HR, get off your high horses and look to understand what your employees are going through. I think the attrition rate speaks for itself though. Doesn't that data tell you that there's something KPMG is doing that clearly isn't right?!
Having a fancy new office is in no way going to compensate for all the other aspects of the work you got going.
