Reviews by job title

13 reviews
1.0
4 Sept 2018

HELPdesk

Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Company events Allowed me to leave without working notice My line manager was a fair and understanding guy, but he's left the company now. My colleagues on first and second line worked very hard, they are mostly a great team. Anywhere but the helpdesk seems like a decent place to work.

Cons

From the very first day around me I saw my colleagues stressing out in the cramped office over the number of tickets they were picking up, for first and second line. I thought that it might just be a hectic day but things just got worse. Workload is far too high for the number of employees. Ticket stacks barely dropped below 10 as far as i remember. If you are the kind of person who likes to sit quietly and get on with their work on second line then forget it, you are very much involved in everything that's going on around you and don't have much room for being silent and concentrating. You'll be barked at to pick up first line calls every 10 minutes, from a newcomers perspective it made the entire helpdesk look badly managed and understaffed. Swore at on the phone on 3 separate occasions because colleagues did not have time to look at all of their calls. This is 3 times in one month. This is a direct result of the understaffing, not the fault of my colleagues. I have been in this field for a long time and I know this stuff happens, but nowhere near as much as at Utilize. Took me 3 weeks to receive an access card for the building, just in time for me to leave. I had to wait to be buzzed in 4-5 times a day. Training on inhouse systems was lackluster, mainly because everyone is too busy.

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Utilize Response
7y
Thanks for your feedback. We are sorry things didn’t work out between us. We don’t always get things right but as mentioned in a couple of other review responses; for the right staff this is very much a business in which you can forge a career. This is born out in an average staff retention of over 7 years (5 years on the helpdesk in which you mention). The feedback you have given is hugely appreciated and will hopefully help others come forward who maybe in a similar position. All of our staff will know the office space is being addressed (with a move to brand new premises). We do also acknowledge that the support team (as with all our teams) do work hard and we like to feel are rewarded for these efforts. This is indeed an environment where you are very much "involved" and we do actively encourage this. However, we do not encourage abuse and would ask you drop an email anonymously to hr@utilize.co.uk so we can address this with the client concerned. Frustrated they may be at the time, this isn't a line that should be accepted. Finally when things aren't working out it isn't (usually) necessary to hold someone to notice periods unless there is a business reason to do so. We are glad this worked out for you in this situation. We wish you the best of luck for the future.
5.0
7 Sept 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

As a long standing employee (around 14 years service), and having worked in both the Service and Sales dept I have certainly had a well rounded and balanced exposure to the entire business. Throughout my Career, both I and my family have received nothing but support from Senior Management. The CEO and MD are very grounded people and are always open to listening to feedback regardless of the nature. They have supported my training and development and always gave me something to work towards. The biggest 'pro' for me, is the people. Everyone believes in doing the right thing and it really is one big team effort. They are friends both in and out of work and this for me is the most important aspect as I spend 5 days a week with them! I am a believer of 'you get out what you put in' approach and this is certainly an ethos of the company.

Cons

Parking spaces are tight, but this will be resolved with the new office. And on this note the involvement the staff have had with the configuration and setup/layout of the new office has been fantastic. Senior Management have reached out for feedback on this topic more than I expected.

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Utilize Response
7y
Thank you for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated and will hopefully help others looking to join us, or staff who are already here gain an insight into your feelings in your current (and held) position(s).
5.0
12 Mar 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I have all the tools to be able to give our clients the best services. My work friends are very helpful and supportive. Lots of training to attend which is brilliant. The business is focused on it's people and putting clients first which is refreshing.

Cons

Nothing really, perhaps if I have to dig hard it would be a selection of coffee, but then again it is provided free.

5.0
14 Nov 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good salary, private health plan, death-in-Service, charity work, 25 days holiday + public holidays, committed 10 training and development days. Love my work collegues very supportive environment to work in.

Cons

Not vital but the dedicated games room could be improved with more single and double comfortable sofas.

4.0
21 Mar 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great Team of onsite engineers who I interact with more often than not, (Nilesh Gobi and Andy Maddox for the most part) Great manager, Gary is a top lad. Some good nights outs and events so far,

Cons

relatively minimal training (for my situation) everytime i travel to london/basildon for an event, I have delays getting back out of london/basildon. unique to my situation but a certain feeling of powerlessness in some situations - I'm on site point of contact IT for a head office and unable to buy in cables/headsets etc myself. maybe more politics on the client side

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Utilize Response
2y
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to maintain an exceptional work environment and culture for all our employees and continually assess and improve our processes and culture here at Utilize. We are delighted to hear that you've had positive interactions with your team; it's wonderful to know that they have made a positive impact on your experience. Regarding your comments on Training, we understand the importance of training and development and continuously work to enhance our training programmes. Your feedback will help us identify areas for improvement. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on certain challenges you have recently experienced. We strive to empower our team members to fulfil their roles effectively and will continue to explore ways to support you moving forward. Our onboarding of new staff members ensures that all employees are given training on Cherwell and other systems. Our on-site teams spend two weeks with our Service Desk, getting hands-on experience and learning about our systems and processes. Remember, we all have access to our helpdesk by raising a ticket. The service desk team will always respond to any questions or queries we ask. We also have access to Teams in Teams, where we can raise questions with other employees or departments. Wishing you continued growth, development and success here at Utilize. Again, thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.
5.0
12 Oct 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I’ve been with Utilize for a year now, and it’s been a blur. In between the events for both staff and clients it’s all about hard work, and everyone pulling in the same direction to deliver an exemplary service to our clients. The senior leadership team are focused and supportive of all staff that are passionate about contributing to the company culture, and those who are willing to go above and beyond. Our CEO is totally committed to the culture of the business; it’s the first thing he spoke to me about during our initial meeting, and it’s the first thing we speak about when we pass one another in the corridor. Professional development is high on the agenda too, so if you’re thinking of joining the team, be prepared for lots of training on all the latest technologies. If you’re hardworking, loyal, and enjoy socialising with your colleagues, you should look no further than Utilize.

Cons

Due to the success and growth of the business, office space is pretty tight. This is eased by flexible working, and we’re all looking forward to moving to new premises next year which are currently being fitted out.

5.0
23 Oct 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great office environment, lots of open space to encourage collaborative working. Friendly workforce. Perks include Private healthcare, hybrid working, remote working fund, car share scheme, ample fresh fruit delivery in the office every week, nice coffee machines! Monthly team lunches in the office and quarterly team-social budgets. Sustainability is quickly becoming a second language here. 10x Training and Development days a year to focus on personal growth. 2x Community and Fundraising days a year, giving me an opportunity to work with a charitable cause and make a difference.

Cons

Not enough women in the business

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Utilize Response
1y
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you have been happy at Utilize for over 17 years and find the office environment, perks, and team culture positive. We are delighted that you appreciate the efforts we put into sustainability and personal development and the opportunities to give back to the community. We also appreciate your honesty about the areas where we can improve. We recognize the importance of having a diverse workforce and are always actively working to attract and retain more women in our industry. In fact, we are excited to share that we recently employed not one but two female engineers 🥳so we're definitely getting there and will continue to keep the momentum going.
5.0
18 Oct 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

State of the art office space at Basildon HQ, Open plan office space, encouraging collaborative working, no 'divide' between departments (no feelings of 'them' and 'us'), including easy access to Senior Leadership Team and Directors who are all very approachable, Weekly lunches, including monthly 'naughty' lunch, the workplace encourages and promotes good wellbeing both mentally and physically, Good quality barista style coffee from machines, Free fruit available all week, Private healthcare, 60/40 working split (3x days in office, 2x days at home) with home-office support fund for desk/chairs etc, Budgets for Department outings (i.e. dinners/spa/Go Karting etc), Ample opportunity to work with either 3x local company-chosen charities or with your own preferred charity, Development days allowing you to self-develop either by training courses or working/shadowing with other departments, Gaming nights, Ample opportunity for career growth, regardless of current job position

Cons

I've been here for 15+ years, I wouldn't stick around that long if I didn't like it here!!

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Utilize Response
3y
It's great to see our vision of our office space becoming all that we hoped it would. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of Utilize with others.
5.0
8 May 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I have been working here for more than 10 years now and it's safe to say I love my job. Working here has not just given me a career, it’s given me an extended family and without them I would not be the person I am today. I started here as a shy, quiet individual fresh out of college, I’m now the total opposite and have gained so much confidence in everything. The people here are great, a very supportive network of people regardless of job title. The atmosphere here at HQ is always energetic, focused and positive. We all have the same passion for top notch customer service, the desire to lead from the front with leading technology and support each other through the highs and the (thankfully very few!) lows. Both the MD and CEO are true leaders, extremely supportive and encouraging of all staff members goals, personal and professional. The CEO having founded the company over 20 years ago passionately lives and breathes what we do. The Group MD is always forward thinking and embraces change and new technologies to help us and the company continue to grow. Through dedication and hard work I have always been given the opportunity to progress through the company and prove myself, training (both in house and off site) has always been arranged where I needed it to help my personal growth. Although I am free to run with my strengths I receive structured support to improve on my weaknesses and push myself, which without the support of my senior management colleagues and my direct line manager (the MD) I would not be in the position I am now. It’s also worth noting I have never been pressured to become someone I am not, I have always been myself. We put on a monthly lunch (FOC) for staff, hold monthly ‘dress down’ days in aid of charity, offer a Cycle to Work scheme and hold an annual Christmas Conference and Celebration. We play as hard as we work. In summary if you are a driven individual that works well as a team but can follow up with own initiative then this is the place for you.

Cons

Office can be crowded at times, could do with more space

5.0
7 May 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many training and self development opportunities Very welcoming company Work/life balance flexibility On boarding process couldn't be better!

Cons

None I can think of, exceeded my expectations so far!

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Utilize Response
2y
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us. It's great to hear our onboarding process "couldn't have been any better" and that you have had a great welcome to Utilize. We, are delighted to have you on board.🙂and look forward to working with you on your journey here at Utilize.
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Glassdoor has 57 Utilize reviews submitted anonymously by Utilize employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Utilize is right for you.