Returning to work can be daunting. But a returner-friendly employer can make the world of difference.

Every month, Back To Work Connect spotlights Irish companies that offer the most support to returnees, so you can find your perfect back-to-work fit.

This month we’re profiling Tesco.

If working for a household name company appeals to you and you have a passion for providing excellent customer service, then a career with Tesco may be the one for you.

Tesco: Company Background

Tesco needs little introduction. They are, after all, one of the biggest supermarket chains in the UK and Ireland, not to mention one of the largest private-sector employers in the country.

In fact, Tesco is the largest single-entity employer in retail, employing over 13,000 colleagues across Ireland, so if you choose to return to work here, you’ll be in good company.

A few things to note. Tesco has operated in the Irish retail market since 1997, and with 170 stores nationwide, it supports almost 45,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

As a business, serving customers is at the heart of everything they do and one of their key missions is creating value for customers and earning their loyalty for life.

The company culture is a welcoming one. At Tesco, they believe in treating each other with respect and giving everyone an equal opportunity to get on.

It’s an inclusive workplace too, keen to celebrate the cultures, personalities, and preferences that make up its workforce.

Why work at Tesco?

The inclusive culture is just one reason Tesco is a great workplace for returning employees. The company not only celebrates diversity but recognises the value and opportunity it brings – and actively encourages employees to be the best version of themselves at work.

Add to that, Tesco has diverse working patterns, which means a career with them can easily fit around family and other commitments.

Take their Head Office, for example. At head office, Tesco has embraced a blended working week – combining office and remote working.

What’s more, Tesco offers market-leading benefits.As a Tesco employee, you can enjoy the following:

 Competitive Salary
 Bonus Scheme*
 Access to a Virtual GP service
 24/7 access to Tesco’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
 Colleague Clubcard 10% discount increasing to 15% starting on the last Friday of each month for 3 days (including a 2nd card for a family member)*
 Life Assurance
 Pension Scheme*
 Save As You Earn Scheme*
 Paid Family Leave
 Bike to Work
 Long Service Awards
 Commuter Scheme

*Entry requirements and rules of the scheme apply

What to expect

Wondering what a typical day is like at Tesco? As a Tesco Colleague, you’ll be right at the heart of the supermarket’s in-store customer experience.

Every working day, you’ll have a chance to put your customer service abilities to the test, showing that ‘Every little helps’ by doing your bit with the friendly, flexible approach needed to make a difference to customers.

What employees love about working at Tesco

Working within a friendly team and serving the local community are among some of the things employees love most about working at Tesco.

Here’s what two Tesco employees have to say:

“Working with Tesco on an average day, after 8 years is still something that amazes me. I will spend the day going through the plan with my team and getting through tasks that I have assigned to myself.

“Yet, there will always be something new to me that represents a new challenge and a different experience for me. And most importantly, I’ll always find the time for a cup of tea with my colleagues and a good catch-up with the regulars!

“These are the things I enjoy most — getting involved with and helping our local community. And creating a great bond with our team.” Jonathan McCusker, Express Store Manager

“I love how varied the role is. We help managers support their team’s development so that people can be at their best. In this role you need to be able to put Tesco colleagues at the heart of everything you do – so they can go on and do the same for our customers.” Nuala Murphy, People Partner

Careers at Tesco

There are many different roles that make up Tesco’s workforce. They include:

 Stores – Colleagues/Drivers/Management
 Distribution
 Customer Engagement Centre
 Commercial
 People
 IT (Technology)
 Finance
 Legal and Compliance
 Customer/Marketing
 Corporate Affairs
 Retail Operations and Support

Want to improve your chances of getting hired?

Tesco looks for employees who work hard for their customers, team, and department and are able to prioritise.

The ideal candidate is adaptable and resilient to meet the ever-changing demands of the business.

Interested in working at Tesco?

If you’d like to know more about the roles Tesco is currently hiring for, check out our returner-friendly jobs board

Keep up to date with the latest Returner Friendly employers, upskilling & retraining opportunities by joining our platform HERE

Back to work with Tesco