The Works

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The Works is a retailer. They sell books, stationery, toys, and art and craft materials.

theworks.co.uk

The Works job reviews

Showing 43 reviews

  • Best thing

    Easy work, albeit tedious.
    Some managers are confident, understand what needs to be done and how to help the team work.

    Worst thing

    Some managers appear like they do not know what they are doing, unconfident, and don't always treat the staff with respect.
    Work can be slow, and managers can give worthless tasks.

    3.9

    The Works Retail assistant, March 2024

  • Best thing

    easy to get to. I most of the people I work with.

    Worst thing

    the pay rate isn't good at all, nor does is reflect the work people do. it's not fair being expected to work harder and do more than most of the staff and still get paid the same rate. supervisor jobs got taken away but people are still expected to do the supervisor job. there is no where near enough hours to operate the store correctly due to cut backs which are already unfair because barely anyone that works in the store can afford to live for the month. head office don't seem to care about the people in the shops and actually do the hard work of earning the money for the company.

    2.6

    The Works Employee, January 2024

  • Best thing

    Super friendly, relaxed and fun

    Worst thing

    Not many hours when on a seasonal contract, unsure about the future and if I will be hired further

    8.2

    The Works Employee, December 2023

  • Best thing

    Team

    Worst thing

    I get paid 2 different rates of pay

    5.5

    The Works Deputy manager, December 2023

  • Best thing

    The staff

    Worst thing

    The pay, the jobs required, the manager not doing the job properly.

    1.9

    The Works Key holder, June 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking your time to leave this review and sorry that you seemingly had a negative experience with us. We'd love to hear some more specifics relating to the things you didn't enjoy, so please email us via peopleservices@theworks.co.uk. Thanks, The Works Team

  • Best thing

    The people who work with you (in your store) on a daily basis

    Worst thing

    Stress, unrealistic targets/ unrealistic deadlines, long and unsafe lone working, not enough budgets for holidays and sickness, expectations to work before or after shift has ended/ started to meet deadlines without pay or getting time back

    1.1

    The Works Manager, May 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thank you for taking the time to leave this feedback and sorry that you didn't enjoy working for us. Lone trading is pretty minimal in our business when compared to other retailers and as a Store Manager, you have the freedom to set your rota to eliminate all lone working. We believe that hours are available to cover colleague sickness and holiday. We also aim to ensure that any additional time worked by our Store Managers is taken back as soon as possible. Thanks, The Works Team

  • Best thing

    My co-workers are nice, and the job itself can be fun as the products are good and we are encouraged to demo them often.

    Worst thing

    The managers often leave sales assistants alone on the shop floor. We are understaffed and overtime is mandatory. We are chased about meeting targets such as loyalty sign ups and till teller sales.

    3.4

    The Works Key holder, May 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback and sorry that you haven't enjoyed your time with us. We're working hard to increase contracted hours and reduce reliance on overtime in order to give colleagues more stability in relation to their hours (and therefore pay). Like any retailer, we do have KPI's for our colleagues, but we don't believe that they're particularly arbitrary - if you believe you're being unfairly pushed in relation to any of the points in your feedback, please reach out to peopleservices@theworks.co.uk. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Co-workers are lovely, very laid-back job.

    Worst thing

    The pay isn’t good, minimum wage

    9.3

    The Works Sales assistant, April 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for the fantastic score, we're glad you're enjoying working for us. We always looking to evolve our total reward package with additional benefits to complement your pay rate and there's more to come on that. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    The customers I’ve dealt with are lovely and not too much hassle. Working Sundays is better as it’s quieter and less stressful

    Worst thing

    The team constantly talk behind your back. I have had many occasions where the manager has told someone else I wasn’t pulling my weight instead of talking to me about it

    5.0

    The Works Sales assistant, February 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking your time to provide this feedback. What you've described above is completely against our culture, so please reach out to peopleservices@theworks.co.uk to discuss your concerns in further detail. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Fun products

    Worst thing

    Not enough hours and manager is a bully

    1.6

    The Works Supervisor, February 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking your time to provide this feedback and I'm sorry to read of your experience. We've been working hard this year to increase contracted hours for our colleagues in store. In relation to the comment regarding your manager, we have a demonstrable zero tolerance approach to bullying, so please reach out to your Area Manager or to peopleservices@theworks.co.uk to provide further details of your concerns. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Staff

    Worst thing

    Over worked given too much responsibility

    2.8

    The Works Employee, January 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback. We're sorry that you've not enjoyed your experience working for us and would love some further detail to see how we can improve things in future. Please let us know via peopleservices@theworks.co.uk. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    50% off Christmas bonus

    Worst thing

    After contract they pay me less for helping them so if I travel 250 miles to help open a store I get paid £1 less that I do on my contract

    4.2

    The Works Supervisor, January 2023

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback and we're sorry that you're not enjoying your experience. However, overtime is paid at your normal hourly rate and we're therefore unsure what you're referring to in saying that you are paid £1 less - can you please email us with details via payrollandbenefits@theworks.co.uk so that we can look into this for you? Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Getting to work in my favourite place & offering great products

    Worst thing

    Location (too far from eating places) poor management team & not enough work.

    3.0

    The Works Sales assistant, December 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback and sorry that you don't seem to be enjoying your experience working for us. We've been working hard in recent months to increase contracted hours for our colleagues in stores. You're also able to work at other stores should you wish to. If you could provide us with more detail regarding your feedback on 'poor management' we will look into this - please email peopleservices@theworks.co.uk. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Seems like a fun place from the outside. Great if you are a person that does a lot of arts and crafts.

    Worst thing

    1. No security
    2. Not allowed to use enough staff to cover the shifts properly for safety of staff and stock.
    3. Area manager never listened, store probably still has the same locks on even through the management have been told repeatedly.
    4. No lunch breaks because of being short staffed.
    5. No way to get rid of old stock. It sits in store until you sell it for 10p or it rots away.
    6. Head office don't listen to staff or management.
    7. Using old redundant ways of working rather than updating systems. It cheaper to stay paper based but makes an actual nightmare for staff to get through the day.

    3.7

    The Works Store manager, December 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to leave your review and we're sorry that you didn't enjoy working with us. To deal with some of your specific points in turn: 1. We have introduced personal safety alarms into all stores and we're currently undertaking a proof of concept trial for body worn video camera's. 2. We believe that the hours provided to stores are sufficient, but it's difficult to respond fully based on the limited information available. 3. We're unable to respond fully due to the limited information, so please contact us via peopleservices@theworks.co.uk to provide further information. 4. As per 3. 5. We've been investing in our Buying and Merchandising teams and changing the way they work together, as well introducing a new stock system to improve insight and help us improve what stock is delivered to each store and when, which we believe will resolve this problem. 6. Please provide further feedback on this to peopleservices@theworks.co.uk so that we can look into it for you and provide you with a response. 7. We're investing in our systems - we recognise that there is work to do. We're in the process of rolling out new EPOS software, we've recently introduced a new stock system as mentioned above and we're also aiming to introduce a new Time & Attendance system in 2024. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Challenging, emphasis on progression

    Worst thing

    Pay, only 2 staff working at once at all times

    3.0

    The Works Supervisor, November 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback and sorry that you're not enjoying your experience with us. The number of colleagues in store / the total hours available for the week is determined by a number of factors including the size of the store and its turnover, which we're of the view is working well, but please reach out to your Area Manager with any concerns. Thanks, The Works Team

  • Best thing

    The people i get to work with

    Worst thing

    We haven't had a manager since july (october now)

    7.0

    The Works Sales assistant, October 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback, we're glad that you're generally enjoying your experience working with us. There have been well documented labour shortages in the UK over the past 12 months which can sometimes make it difficult to recruit, but we always support in this situation by having manager's from our other local stores step in to help. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    The team is so friendly and always happy to help me when I'm unsure

    9.0

    The Works Sales assistant, September 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback, we're delighted that you're having such an enjoyable experience working with us. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    The friendly staff

    Worst thing

    The pay

    7.3

    The Works Sales assistant, September 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback, we're glad to see that you're having a generally positive experience working with us. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Seeing regular customers, we are all one big family, great support system.

    Worst thing

    Rotas can change last minute, manager is a little anxious which makes us all feel anxious.

    3.9

    The Works Supervisor, September 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback and we're sorry that you don't seem to be enjoying your experience with us as much as we would like. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances can result in last minute rota changes from time to time. If you feel this is happening to frequently, please discuss your concerns with your Store Manager or Area Manager. Thanks, The Works Team

  • Best thing

    The store team and meeting new people

    Worst thing

    The pay

    7.3

    The Works Sales assistant, August 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback and we're glad to see that your experience with us has been positive. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    25% staff discount, at certain times throught the year, we get 50% staff discount, if you have to cover another store you get paid for the travel and parking expenses.

    Worst thing

    Certain things I want from the store are excluded from the 50% staff discount event

    6.1

    The Works Supervisor, August 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. Unfortunately, for differing reasons, we're not able to include all products in the double discount events or for the general 25% discount, but we think you'll agree that the vast majority of products are included. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Secure job, everyone has can do loveing attitude.

    Worst thing

    Poor pay, understaffed head office don’t realistically know how much time jobs take.

    2.3

    The Works Manager, August 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to leave this feedback and sorry that you're not enjoying your experience with us. We increased pay rates for our Managers by 7% this year, so hopefully this has gone some way to addressing your concern. Should you feel you that you don't have the required staffing for your store, please discuss this with your Area Manager in the first instance so that they can advise you. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Can be fun at times but it varies between every store

    Worst thing

    Complete lack of respect and understanding of what we do

    1.6

    The Works Assistant manager, July 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide this feedback and we're sorry that your experience has been negative. Can you please contact us via peopleservices@theworks.co.uk to provide us with more detail regarding your concerns? Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    the people i work with

    Worst thing

    busy hours. sat sun and holidays

    4.9

    The Works Waitress, July 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide this feedback and we're sorry to see such a low score. Hopefully, you understand that we need to be open at weekends and on bank holidays, as is the norm in the retail sector. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    The staff are great, and we sell a huge range of products.

    Worst thing

    The job itself is great but some shops need updating to help staff work more efficiently

    8.9

    The Works Retail assistant, July 2022

    1. Reply from People Services Manager at The Works, July 2023

      Hey. Thanks for taking the time to provide this feedback, we're glad you enjoy working with us. We're undertaking a programme of store refits and relocations to assist with modernising our store estate - keep a lookout on MyWorks for the latest news. Thanks, The Works Team.

  • Best thing

    Fun work colleagues, great product

    Worst thing

    Pay

    4.8

    The Works Manager, June 2022

  • Best thing

    The shop team are really nice and understanding

    Worst thing

    The higher ups don’t care about you just care about money

    3.9

    The Works Supervisor, March 2022

  • Best thing

    Working with good colleagues and when you have happy customers

    Worst thing

    Customer that treat you with respect

    9.6

    The Works Sales assistant, January 2022

  • Best thing

    I work with a good team. There is job security at the moment

    Worst thing

    Hours model has recently changed, leaving very tight on staffing. Having to work far more full weekends than I used to

    8.0

    The Works Store manager, July 2021

  • Best thing

    My co-workers and I have a good dynamic

    Worst thing

    Travel, no reimbursement, unclear instructions

    2.6

    The Works Sales assistant, June 2021

  • Best thing

    Close to home
    Caters to many different retail sectors

    Worst thing

    Constantly moving the shop to keep up with head office request

    8.7

    The Works Manager, May 2021

  • Best thing

    The people I work with

    Worst thing

    Dealing with angry customers

    6.4

    The Works Sales assistant, April 2021

  • Best thing

    Guaranteed hours

    Worst thing

    Head office set tasks on top of the general tasks needed

    7.6

    The Works Assistant manager, April 2021

  • Best thing

    I am allowed to get on with my job.
    I am respected and well thought of.
    My team value each other

    Worst thing

    Taking in delivery can be hard work

    9.9

    The Works Store manager, February 2021

  • Best thing

    Not far to travel and can travel the country coveting stores

    Worst thing

    Constantly changing lay out and not enough time to give promotion a chance to work

    7.6

    The Works Assistant manager, January 2021

  • Best thing

    Fits around school

    Worst thing

    The company is so focused on money they forget staff are human beings

    2.4

    The Works Sales assistant, December 2020

  • Best thing

    Team, lots of holiday
    can put a personal touch to store

    Worst thing

    Expectations vs salary
    Pay as a whole

    7.6

    The Works Store manager, November 2020

  • Best thing

    Meeting customers

    Worst thing

    Pressure for add on sales, reward cards, shoplifters, no proper staff room.

    5.5

    The Works Sales assistant, August 2020

  • Best thing

    People, customers and Processing deliveries and counting stock

    Worst thing

    workload and micromanagment from asm and head office

    2.4

    The Works Supervisor, July 2020

  • Best thing

    Great perks and great team. Friendly managers and shifts go fast.

    Worst thing

    Low pay and hours.

    6.0

    The Works Sales assistant, July 2020

  • Best thing

    Fairly easy going

    Worst thing

    The terrible pay

    1.1

    The Works Assistant manager, July 2020

  • Best thing

    the discount

    Worst thing

    poor management, poor communication. Feeling unsafe

    1.5

    The Works Sales assistant, July 2020

  • Best thing

    The team members.

    Worst thing

    The stress of being customer facing and the size of our store.

    6.2

    The Works Shop assistant, December 2019