Pros
Training was good, the canteen was okay... good that EAP existed. very good when medical hospital appointments where needed to be attended. I found it easier to talk to the higher up staff ie SMs and CSMs than TMs. I got free first aid training! when I came back from sick they did phased return which really helped me get back into work. I also had my shift patterns changed - not ideal but definitely helped. extra benefits where good. being able to split breaks up and have them when you want was a good idea too. I got support off one particular manager and if it wasn't for him I would of left a long time before I actually did. he was brill, he gave you the facts, if you needed to improve he'd tell you... but when you did it right he didn't patronise you, he made you feel good. and he supported me through some times... his name I don't know if I can say it was JP-
Cons
Management changed too often. A certain amount of brown nosing went on.... always had to prove evidence for anything you did it was as if you weren't trusted. unable to go on toilet breaks without being hassled. Was too sales driven and didn't care about the customers needs was more about selling. occupational health knew nothing about mental health and a lot of people suffered with mental health problems at that place. shift patterns where horrific. communication was awful, so you'd find something out the same day as customers ie a price hike and no training or warning to deal with why prices have gone up... and no real way of explaining it. new managers thrown into the deep end. Having to change managers also meant that you had to explain any health problems to MORE people... and there IS a stigma with mental health there's no two ways about it.... so more people know... and then lots of relationships happen in the call centre, so your manager would be dating someone else so chances are they talk... didn't feel confidential. work life balance HA.... when your working till 8 on a Friday and then in at 8 on a Saturday its literally its the worst feeling ever.... you loose your Friday night and Saturday day... no point in having a weekend! Depending on which management where in determined whether you where gonna have a good day or not and treated like a human or a robot. Management also need a backbone... you tell a customer no and then the calls escalated and the manager does what the customer wants its like you might as well not bothered! Complaining about a certain manager when they act inappropriate (ie calling you for your weight in front of a canteen full of people) and this got ignored... unorganised chaos... I hated it towards the end and still have nightmares now!!! too many rules for one and then not for others.