Pros
Not sure. That’s difficult to answer.
Cons
First Service is not as well run as they want you to believe. Numbers are not always what they appear. They tout they are consistently rated the Top Workplace in Houston. But the more you advertise, the higher your ranking. Plus as employees we were told why we were rating ourselves and encouraged to be super positive. Yes it’s anonymous, but again employees are rating themselves. Pay is not competitive, unless you include bonuses but that is never guaranteed. Culture is not defined well. It is weak and fake. They had Disney come in to train and it is as magical and real as a cartoon. No ability to advance unless you are fake and can get on the good side of the CEO. If you are not a Mormon, a white man, or a minority, it’s very difficult. Someone mentioned healthy conflict, that’s a joke. How can it be open door when the Executive floor entrance is locked by key fob? I had a meeting there and was late once because my fob didn’t allow me access to the offices. They are guarded by the admin and if she’s not there you have to call someone on the inside to let you in. Executives were not accessible at all. Take a look at the tenure of staff. All new frontline at the branches every year or so. Why don’t people stay? Maybe one or two have been there for years but not many. If they are as great as they say why the higher than normal turn over rate? So Much Office Politics: when a mistake is made someone has to be blamed. They do not try to fix and learn from it. So it is a CYA. And even if you don’t make the mistake you can be blamed, written up and or fired. It causes a lack of trust and teamwork. And employees do not help each other. Only those not considered one of the “team” are held accountable for goals. When they say they work hard, this is also perception. It is not sometimes it is all the time expect 50-60 hour work weeks unless you are hourly, a minority (they need diversity so you can do what you want if you fit that) or flirt well. They want to see you in the office. So even if you come in at 7am - 7pm and are seen that works. In my time there the CEO was not so nice as he appears. I went through a death in my family and he never even offered me a word of condolence. It’s a big company and I’m not saying he should have made a grand gesture. But come on, he walks around talking to staff he could have at least said I’m sorry for your loss. (I know he was aware.) I saw people who’s dog died and they were treated better. But they were Mormon or a part of the fake I worked hard 50-60 hours a week for years and I thought proved my loyalty to the company. Hard work was not enough I was not able to put on the fake Stephford Wives like face needed to fit the culture. In a meeting he once said something like this I don’t care if you had a fight with your kids, your dog bit you, and you wrecked your car before you got here. Once you come in leave that at the door and smile. He made it clear appearances matter. Don’t just ask about the culture. Do research, ask both former and current employees. Be sure you really know what it is. If you are not a good fit, they will make you miserable until you quit. Or blame you for any mistake they can so they can fire you. I saw it both ways. But if you fit you can ride your way all the way to the top.