NEXT reviews

I’ve worked at Next Customer Services for over three years now, and while the role isn’t for everyone, it’s genuinely one of the best jobs I’ve had. A typical day involves taking phone calls, responding to emails, and communicating with customers via WhatsApp and live chat. The systems can take a little time to get used to, but the people you work with are very friendly and approachable. If you ever get stuck, colleagues are always happy to help. There are also helpful resources such as iKnows, an internal knowledge base where you can find answers to most queries online, and iHelp, which allows you to put a customer on hold and speak directly to a support colleague (like myself) for guidance on resolving an issue. By far, the best part of the job is the shift pattern: four days on and four days off. Having worked several jobs over the years, I can honestly say the extra time off is amazing. I don’t think I could ever go back to a standard 9–5, five days a week. The amount of leisure time you get really allows you to enjoy life and do what you want to do. There are also opportunities for overtime, especially during the Christmas period when pay can reach triple time, that's nearly £40 an hour! While you may occasionally deal with emotionally charged customers, most people simply want someone that listen to them. In the vast majority of cases, you’re able to resolve their issue, and the customers are thanking you end the call. Mental health is taken seriously as well. If you need a moment after a tough call to get some fresh air or collect your thoughts, you can take a short personal break. You don’t need to explain yourself or ask permission, taking five minutes when you need it is absolutely fine as long as it's in moderation.