Waterstons Reviews

Not the most fun place to work, no real perks day to day and pay is poor. If your working full time on a client site your're on your own and get none of the perks of being a contractor (money), with all of the stress. (Although poaching is rife from the companies you work for if you are good. This can come with a significant pay rise for the same job) Sectors of the business don't like to cross share knowledge or help solve problems with solutions they have implemented without pressure from managers or customers. Feels like knowledge is power. Small company mentality still.

The biggest issue is culture. Waterstons used to be values-led and felt like somewhere people cared about. That culture has largely disappeared over the last year. Leadership feels unclear and constantly changing. The business often doesn’t seem sure what it wants to be anymore. Strategy and comms feel meaningless. No clear direction with priorities and follow-through. Messaging often isn’t motivating or relatable and doesn’t explain what will actually change or why staff should care. Too much is pushed back onto staff - “we need your ideas”, “everyone needs to do one more day chargeable” - rather than leadership actually leading. Teams are expected to do too much themselves, generate opportunities, manage clients, and deliver at the same time. Pay and progression aren’t great unless you want management. No bonuses, average pay, limited recognition. There’s little point going above and beyond, effort isn’t really recognised or rewarded.