John Hancock Financial Services Reviews

Pros

firendly, supportive, and well recognized work place. Work and family life balance, management is very supportive for personal growth. Colleges are very supportive and emphysize on team work.

Cons

a little bit conservative when apporaching technical solutions. a bit longer for promotion, but overall compansation is good.

Advice to Senior Management

keep employee well informed of what's company's long term plan. Give employee more opportunities to rotate their jobs.

Pros

Pros - work/life balance (aside from attorneys, place is a ghost town at 6), generally good colleagues, ability to transfer between divisions, some very strong management as long as you align yourself with correct people, management seems to have recently acknowledged there was a desperate need for significant change toward US based managerial structure

Cons

Cons - politics trump promos over person's knowledge and mgmt will flat out tell you it's not you "it's the system" (this is new in recent years, although there have been significant mgmt changes recently which may have put this to an end), split between 3 locations in Boston and some offices across country and Toronto, salaries are lower than industry (stuck in life insurance mentality even though a wealth manager - owned by risk averse Canadian firm).

Advice to Senior Management

Bridge burning with people who have been there through the years. We used to stay with lower salaries than industry for positive enviroment and opportunity for advancement. Politics and negative environment so heightened now you may as well go work for Fidelity or other investment firm and make 30% more. Even at JH, there are no more guarantees for loyal employees. The times have changed.

Pros

Well known, well respected company. A lot of long-time, dedicated employees. Very good benefits.

Cons

Culture can be a little stale and insular given the proliferation of long-time employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Communicate the strategy to employees; it will help motivate them.

Pros

The people I have met at the company are the greatest asset. I don't know how HR does it but everyone is most willing to help you out. Depending on the department, flexible work options at the company makes working there enjoyable. Good employee benefits.

Cons

The starting salaries for most employees tend to be lower than the industry commands. If possible choose wisely which part of the business you want to work for. This is because movement from one part of the business to another may not be easy to make in the future. College grads especially need to pursue what they really want rather than let HR decide for you.

Advice to Senior Management

The employees working at John Hancock are the best asset that the company has. A better remuneration package especially in the lower levels could greatly boost morale.

Pros

Meet and worked with wonderful clients

Cons

Clients and representives were treated with disrespect

Advice to Senior Management

Humiliating people is not a way to motivate someone.

Pros

very conservative firm, flexible with employees

Cons

sometimes there is lack of communication from the top regarding company direction

Pros

Good products, strong company. Starting to get more up to date with tech and making it easier to do business.

Cons

Like any job as an advisor you have to put your time in and work hard. Compensation could be better.

Pros

John Hancock is one of the leaders in the insurance business and they set up local offices to sell products. The Charlotte office is easy to get to. From a sales standpoint you make you schedule everything yourself. and make your own appointments. The money you make is based on how hard you work, and what type of network you have. It is not a bad first job in the industry. They do match non-profit gifts and also pay for your licenses.

Cons

The training at the Charlotte office was pretty poor, and you didn't get to learn about the industry as a whole. In the interview they tell you that you can be a full blown financial advisor; however, they really just want you to sell insurance, as that is how they make the most money. Management was all over the place and you do not recieve any health benefits.

Advice to Senior Management

Offer renewals on products and treat the employees like you care. Make a business plan together and don't just throw the sales agent under the bus.

Pros

It is a very positive environment. The people are freindly and helpful. This is an ideal place to continue your career.

Cons

Some times people have strange conversations in the elevator. I sometimes wish when work is very busy that they would offer overtime.

Advice to Senior Management

I think that although there are instruments in place that appear to further career paths, managers should be more helpful in assisting employees with their career path.

Pros

Co-workers are friendly, creates comfortable atmosphere to work but it does get busy at times. Good recogninition for job well done.

Cons

Many contractors/consultants that work for years with little turnover to FTE. Promotions are available, but very slow to get them.

Advice to Senior Management

Upper management seem to be doing well in the direction they take. Please hire contractors that would like to convert to FTE.