Boots Opticians FAQ

Pros

Good benefits and discounts. Great team ...Great manager .. rare ..

Cons

Always wanting more more . Even though most of us work very very hard . New system is tills are a nightmare ..

Advice to Management

Keep it simple...let people work how they work best instead of insisting of "show dispensing " expect that at times all the rules .can not be adhered to all the time

Pros

Good pay Good holiday time Good training

Cons

Can be long hours does require re locating from time to time

Advice to Management

Better pay and benefits for hard working staff

Pros

There are opportunities to transfer or progress between Boots Opticians and main store. Offside training is provided and the package of benefits, including staff discounts, is generally very good.

Cons

Do your research before applying or accepting a job offer. There is high staff turnover problem (see www.boots.jobs for the number of roles advertised) and the absence of a permanent manager in some stores, so if you are applying to work in a store with either or both of these issues, then you are likely to run into problems very quickly. Be under no illusion about working in optics. There is a lot to learn so it should not be seen as an easy option or a stop gap until something else comes along. Be mindful that the next patient who comes through the door may have a serious eye problem and possibly won’t know, and you may be the first person they encounter. Effectively, they and their eyes are in your hands.

Advice to Management

Ensure that the ratio of qualified staff and store management is adequately in place to support new staff and that they receive the proper training required. Also, that processes to contact head office (for payroll, holiday or overtime issues) can be swiftly resolved if the store manager is available or there is none.

Pros

Excellent pay for experienced people including clinicians. Good holiday times and allowance. A passion for customer service in a lot of people.

Cons

I was no longer invited to management interviews whilst pregnant. I was strongly discouraged to return to a management role when I returned from maternity. I had worked my way into management over many many years, yet as soon as I took time away for maternity I was treated appallingly.

Advice to Management

Focus on speaking directly to your PM's, not just listen to the RM's and what they want you to see. Spend time in your stores, listen and watch what your customers and staff actually want.

Pros

Good teams and communication from management. Competitive but fun. Great pension schemes

Cons

Multiple clinics can be stressful