Pros
- Some colleagues are an incredible asset and do their best despite the dysfunction. - Pay can be marginally competitive in some contracts, but that's about it. - RRSP program for managers. - One positive - They - for the most part - recognize that they are a springboard company to bigger and better things (for front line guards), but lean on the ideology too heavily and don't re-invest on those who want to explore Garda as a long term career option at the executive level.
Cons
Where do I begin? Everything boils down to the contract you are on - it dictates your payrate; which is connected to their billrate. Once Garda's top end margins are met - everything else that happens afterword's; is essentially an "operational issue" and mid level managers are left to fend for themselves at the contract level - and that's where the problems begin.... because the top brass out east don't really push much beyond - "the numbers". GardaWorld Security is hands down one of the most disorganized, unaccountable, and ethically questionable companies I've ever worked for. The issues are systemic, and unless you're part of the inner circle or willing to look the other way, good luck trying to survive here long-term. Training: Practically nonexistent. New hires - even managers - are thrown into contracts with minimal instruction, and you're expected to "figure it out." This leads to safety risks, liability issues, and enormous stress. Support: Forget trying to contact management or HR in any meaningful way. HR has zero consistency in their delivery; and everything is dictated by "how we feel in this moment" rather then precedence set. (its about who you know; and who the organization wants to move on from - who's "good" for the contract. Termination without cause (with a payout) is something frequently explored - especially on unionized contracts - to move employee's along. Problem's are never solved - they are bought out and replaced with new ones. Hierarchy and Politics: The company operates on a “who-you-know” basis. I'll say this much - agreeing with your boss on personal issues; political issues; and long term vision will serve you well - It'll get you ahead. A difference opinion; or a different way to approach business here isn't supported; you'll be identified as part of a bigger problem - and ushered along. Accountability: Management dodges responsibility constantly. Still not really sure what the role of a contract manager is; when all the other manager's take on all the heavy lifting - and clients dictates the vision (whether you agree or not)...... Ethical Concerns: Policies exist on paper, but enforcement is laughable. Whistleblowers are punished or pushed out, not protected. If you report unethical behavior, expect retaliation and zero support. Company Culture: Toxic from the top down. You’re treated like a replaceable number. Morale is abysmal. They love to talk managerial "speak" about fixing things - but zero action on the back end. Conceptual Paper solutions into the shred bin. Support even at the "client" level is laughable. Alot of "head nodding" and "saying the right thing" week over week with zero action; hoping to limp into the next RFP with another low end bid where margins once again reign king. Number of times I was offered a performance review or evaluation? Zero. Number of times I was offered critical feedback? Zero. Hard to improve when your issues are not identified; or supports offered.