HomeServe reviews

Managenent more interested in pals over progress

Most important point in my view, you'll feel it from your work contract, to how this business operates, it applies a mask 'call centre' mentality over everything. There is indeed a call centre function, but commercial and corporate services, like IT, shouldn't be subjected to the same kind of rules that would suit the operational requirements of a call centre. Please be very aware of this, as it constrains more than just opportunity, but also flexibility within your role. * Mandatory 'hybrid' two days in office and the rest from home. No flexibility, and this is monitored via the swipes in the office (flexibility would depend on your line manager). * A lot of people have worked there for years and inherited bad habits. Afraid to speak up about change and challenge 'senior' outdated ways of thinking, some of which are even a threat within a regulated working environment! * Exec - especially within my area, lacking people skills, results-oriented approach only. * Non-existent CEO. Lacked presence certainly in my area. * Consistent with other people's feedback. If your face fits, you'll be included within the 'clicks', but ask any genuine questions or work differently, and their people values go out the window, and you're an 'obstacle'. * Inconsistent probationary requirements. From 'nothing to worry about', you'll go to 'well, we don't know now' for no tangible reason. Please be wary of this, as the ways of working here are very much siloed. * Timesheets (projects) - a very small number take this personally as if the money is coming out of their personal pocket, on top of any optimisation opportunities being seen as 'I'll get double-charged' mindset. * Induction after three months of starting - disorganised policies, outdated and the benefits window too small without any proper advance notification to new starters. No line manager awareness (not blaming the line manager, it should be an HR coordinated effort). * Considerable effort required to sort out the system and IT access to things, which really should be known and provisioned from the start. There is a lack of insight into roles and proactivity. * My role wasn't very well thought through with the 'end in mind', no clear accountability, just push it between BAU operations and hope for the best. It was also managed through a supplier, and they had free rein without much-needed direction from HS. * Third parties and suppliers don't have frequent operational service meetings. Left to do 'as they always have', which in the next 2-3 years will strain the relationship. * There's a lot of overhead, which is heavy on the people and customer values. It won't surprise me if, within the next 2-3 years or sooner, there's another significant transformation. Please do ask about the business health if you apply, and any significant upcoming changes.