84% positive 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!!
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
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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