Chaotic, Clueless, and Completely Mismanaged - Recruitment Consultant Hays Employee Review

Working at Hays was one of the most frustrating professional experiences I’ve had. Senior management appear to have no strategic direction whatsoever. Their only advice? “Make money” — regardless of market conditions, desk potential, or client viability. There’s zero tailored guidance or support, just blanket pressure to bill, no matter how unrealistic the targets may be. Favoritism runs rampant. If you're not part of the inner circle, good luck getting any recognition or help. The culture is toxic, with leadership that can't even fill their own roles effectively but are somehow quick to question your performance. Expect to be micromanaged without being truly managed — lots of demands, very little help. The lack of actual leadership or strategic thinking makes it feel like you’re set up to fail. It’s a churn-and-burn environment masked as a meritocracy. Avoid unless you're desperate or thrive in dysfunction.