Pros
Willis is rwell-known in the benefits industry and is a strong player in the middle-market segment. It's a great company to gain experience and have good work / life balance. For the most part, co-workers are very nice, friendly, professional, cordial, in sum - good team members. Willis also has the best offices in the industry. Nice office locations, very modern office layout with brandnew office equipment.
Cons
Pay and benefits lag the industry in general. Willis paid too much money for its HRH acquisition in 2008 and as a result could ill afford to give its hard-working employees raises or 401K matches for more than 2 years. There is little opportunity for training or advancement. The company claims to have an aggressive sales culture when in reality new business production is inconsistent and varies between offices. There is no "up or out" sales mentality. Average does it. Company CEO likes to have his photograph everywhere. Company offices, company website, intranet, etc., ad nauseum. . . You get the picture (no pun intended)!!! Lastly, but most importantly, Willis has replaced merit / performance bonuses with what it calls "Cash Retention Awards". Tthe problem with this cash retention award is that you have to pay the company back if you leave voluntarily. Currently, the vesting period for the bonus is 3 years. That's like rubbing salt into the wound as Willis is already below par when it comes to comp and ben due to the HRH acquisition. This Cash Retention Award only destroys employee morale and ultimately, loyalty. A company that is an employer of choice does not need to worry about its employees jumping ship because potential employees will beat a path down your door for a chance to work for you. Paying your employees a bonus is simply the cost of doing business and rewarding hard-work.