Hays reviews

3.6

65% would recommend to a friend

(5,743 total reviews)
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Mark Dearnley

Not enough data to show CEO approval

52% positive business outlook

Hays has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 5,743 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Hays employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Recursos humanos industry (3.8 stars).

Reviews by job title

6K reviews
1.0
Jan 17, 2024

MLM Scheme

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good, extensive training programme, huge office with great view

Cons

Regrettably, my experience compels me to express deep dissatisfaction. I had reservations about providing even a single star, as the organizational dynamics resemble more of a pyramid scheme than a professional entity. The prevailing atmosphere appears to be tainted by internal politics, fostering an environment where predatory behaviors from top performers are tolerated. The company appears to prioritize treating staff as mere numbers rather than recognizing their non-financial contributions. This approach creates an environment where the genuine efforts and dedication of employees are undervalued, undermining morale and overall job satisfaction, resulting in high staff turnover. Adding to these concerns is the evident disparity in promotional rules applied to different personnel, resulting in a system that is inherently unfair. The lack of transparency and consistency in promotions fosters an atmosphere of favoritism and discouragement among the staff. Such disparities contribute to a sense of inequality and erode the trust that employees should have in the fairness of the company's policies. Notably disconcerting is the retention of an individual, despite her managerial role characterized by verbal abuse and a high staff turnover rate within her team. Her recent promotion and acknowledgment as a key employee (purely based on her billings) underscore a disturbing acceptance of such conduct within the company. This raises serious questions about the company's commitment to fostering a healthy and respectful workplace culture. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by the unprofessional conduct of a Life Science consultant who, through her close relationship with the business director, has managed to create a toxic work environment. This consultant's actions have led to the departure of a few team members and her unwarranted preferential treatment. This includes the ability to work from home without justification, a privilege not extended to other staff members, and consistent nominations in competitions where the business director often serves as a jury member. This apparent conflict of interest raises significant concerns about the integrity of the company's decision-making processes and its commitment to upholding professional and ethical standards. For an international organization, endorsing such practices is not only disheartening but also reflects poorly on its reputation within the broader professional community. Urgent attention to these issues, accompanied by a comprehensive review of internal policies, is imperative for the company to rectify these concerns and restore trust in its ethical and professional standing.

1.0
Oct 12, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Met some lovely colleagues, good commission structure if you get that far.

Cons

In my opinion, the management style at many Hays offices is bullying and fear-led. I came to Hays from another industry where I was successful and confident but within a couple of months of stepping through the Hays door I was made to feel useless. Learning a new industry is not easy but to be taken into a side room and berated regularly because you did not offer someone a job in a "chipper" enough voice and after only a few weeks of working there, be asked regularly if you think this is not really the industry for you, visiting other offices to find later there was a spy there being nice to your face but misinterpreting and reporting back on your every word like a child being secretly assessed, it really knocks your self-worth as a professional adult. Having to leave a job because you are in tears every day because of it and quietly packing your things away from the office in front of everyone is demeaning as hell. I have since left and am very successful in my industry, but it has taken two years to stop feeling worthless and to finally write this review but I still have doubts in myself at work in a way I never did before Hays. I am sure not all Hays offices are like this but I witnessed at least 4 with the same attitude during my short stint.

1.0
Jan 6, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

None, I feel really sorry for the current employees.

Cons

Everything! Management are not approachable in any way, you're walking on eggshells to ensure you don't get fired for no apparent reason. They don't need to give a reason for the loss of job, they like to employ on contract so they can get rid of you before you decide to leave on your own accord. Whilst I was there the turnover of staff was extortionate. Not enough encouragement, all about doing better than your best. I would never ever recommend anyone to apply for a job here. It is such a shame a world renowned recruitment company is run the way that it is.

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