Does Hays pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Hays employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.3 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Hays. This rating has improved by 4% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Hays?

67% of Hays employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Hays 3.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.6 for culture and values and 3.7 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Hays?

Recruitment Consultant (1005) , Consultant (379) , Recruiter (365) , Senior Recruitment Consultant (229) , Associate Recruitment Consultant (224) , Senior Consultant (208) , Associate Consultant (199) , Manager (169) , Account Manager (148) , Business Manager (120) , Director (90) , Senior Manager (87) , Intern (79) , Consultant en recrutement (76) , Key Account Manager (74)

What are the pros of working at Hays according to real employee reviews?

"The company wide training is good and comprehensive." ((in 681 reviews)); "Most of the teams have a great culture and it’s a very success driven company." ((in 422 reviews)); "I worked with really great people over a number of years with Hays and made some fabulous friends." ((in 311 reviews)); "I was lucky to be part of a great team who weren’t cut throat and were caring." ((in 211 reviews)); "Great support and colleagues." ((in 165 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Hays according to real employee reviews?

"Long hours and often expected to stay behind which can lead to burn out very quickly." ((in 351 reviews)); "Industry has low salaries for junior staff and Hays is no different" ((in 338 reviews)); "Low pay and sometimes less shifts" ((in 156 reviews)); "KPI's are really high and no work life balance" ((in 131 reviews)); "Clearly the management training is failing as all the managers do is micromanage instead of nurturing and supporting." ((in 105 reviews))

What are employees saying about Hays layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Hays layoffs and their outlook for job security at Hays in 2026.

Hays reviews

3.6

67% would recommend to a friend

(5,761 total reviews)

Mark Dearnley

99% approve of CEO

53% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (5,761 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Hays has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 5,761 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

Nov 7, 2018

Not for experienced recruiters

Senior recruiter

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Nice offices and can send you round the world to other countries to work in.

Cons

Hays is fine if you are a grad or you have never worked in recruitment. If you have recruitment experience I would not bother, you cant be creative, no room to think outside the box. Hays is very hireachy its the first thing people ask you when you are there (what level you are". Managers not allowed to go for drinks with people in lesser titles. I found it to be a very bullyish environment and they drill into you everyday that they are the No.1 but no one really knows what in, if you look at the papers its Randstad. I had a successful desk but also then went to Hays Talent Solutions, which I was asked to go and do sales calls whilst onsite, which isn't exactly why I went to work internally. They make you feel like you are constantly in trouble, its just not a great atmosphere.

Hays Response

7y

Thank you for your review. We are quite concerned by some of the comments and issues you have raised around bullyish environment. We are really keen to have a conversation with you to further understand what has gone on. Can you contact Trisha Brookes - Director of People and Culture to shed some light on these issues.

1.0

Oct 24, 2018

Recruitment Consultant

Recruitment consultant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great training structure, but that’s probably about it.

Cons

- Long hours, which are the norm in recruitment - micromanaged - management are always breathing down your neck not giving you a chance to be independent and grow. - favouritism - even if you’re making money for them, they still have their favourites who practically don’t do anything and yet still get promoted! - No support when needed. - No professionalism, management discuss your personal information with other colleagues and before you know it everyone knows your business. I’m sure not all branches are the same, but there’s definitely a lot of this going around.

Hays Response

7y

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are concerned about some of the issues you have raised in this. Are you able to speak with Trisha Brookes - Director of People and Culture to raise some of your concerns to us?

4.0

Aug 21, 2018

Good culture, outdated structure

Senior recruitment consultant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Culture, training and development, IT systems.

Cons

One-size-fits-all approach to KPIs, inconsistency with promotions, lack of flexible working.

Viewing 295 - 297 of 5,761 Reviews

Hays

Hays reviews

Company ratings over time

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Reviews by job title

Not for experienced recruiters

Recruitment Consultant

Good culture, outdated structure

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