Workplace reviews and discussion: 欣磐石設計有限公司

1. It is very difficult to reach NT$50,000–60,000. In reality, the base salary is not high, and bonuses are paid only once at the end of the year. There are no clearly defined standards; everything is decided at the boss’s discretion. The company has also intentionally dismissed employees a few days before the Lunar New Year, so employees may not necessarily receive the bonus. During interviews, they do not mention that company benefits are only available after completing one year, and some benefits mentioned during interviews are unclear even to senior employees—no one has used them. The agreed salary includes a perfect-attendance bonus and deductions for a welfare fund (which is not disclosed during the interview).

2. Except for the three major holidays (excluding Women and Children’s Day) and New Year’s Day, employees are mandatorily required to work on all national holidays. Whether typhoon days off are granted depends on the company’s announcement. (This is not disclosed during interviews, while the job website states that the position is subject to the Labor Standards Act.)

3. Employees in the design department usually work overtime until between 9 and 11 p.m. each day, and must take turns being on duty at night. If assigned to a special holiday, they can only leave after 8:30 p.m., even if they already have plans. (This is not disclosed during interviews.)

4. During “overtime at night,” taking a short break and chatting with colleagues is monitored by supervisors and the boss through surveillance cameras and then discussed in meetings. Employees who walk around with their phones during overtime may even be suspected of playing games. (After-hours work is treated as a responsibility-based system with no overtime pay, but arriving late during regular working hours results in a salary deduction.) Regarding employees’ private plans after leaving the company around 10 p.m., a supervisor stated that being able to do those things after 10 p.m. meant the workload was not heavy enough.

5. When it comes to promises regarding bonuses or other financial matters, the boss has a supervisor deny them. If something is not in writing, it does not count.

6. The company habitually dismisses employees without warning on the same day, including employees who have worked there for many years. It may even intentionally choose the days immediately before the Lunar New Year to save on year-end bonuses and other bonuses, and requires dismissed employees to sign a voluntary resignation letter containing many clauses that strip employees of their rights. Relying on the company’s legal counsel, management takes a forceful stance.

7. The turnover rate is high. In the past three years, not a single new employee has stayed for more than one year, and all senior design department employees are preparing to leave.

8. It is a family-run business with internal infighting and intrigue. Relations between departments are poor, and supervisors are emotional. People seeking a simple work environment and uncomplicated interpersonal relationships are not advised to apply. If you decide to work for this company, you must take measures to protect yourself.