Clicks GroupEmployee Reviews & Ratings

Clicks gives first-time job seekers a realistic way into retail healthcare without needing prior experience or special qualifications. Many stores hire school-leavers who show reliability and a willingness to learn, especially for roles like shelf assistants, cashiers and pharmacy support staff. New hires usually start with paid training that covers product knowledge, customer service and basic health regulations. Learnership programmes are available for those who want a more structured path, and the onboarding is hands-on rather than classroom-heavy. You learn while working, which suits people who prefer practical tasks over theory. No previous retail or healthcare background is required, though a matric certificate helps. Day-to-day work involves stocking shelves, assisting customers with product locations, handling payments and keeping the store tidy. Shifts are often set in advance and can include weekends, which works well if you rely on public transport. Stores are usually located in malls or high streets with good taxi and bus access. The dress code is a simple uniform provided by the company, so you do not need to spend money on work clothes. Junior staff often describe the teams as supportive, with more experienced colleagues happy to answer questions and show new people the ropes. Growth comes mainly through internal moves. Staff who perform well can be promoted to team leader or supervisor roles within the same store. Some complete learnerships that lead to pharmacy assistant qualifications, opening doors to higher-paying positions. Others use the customer service and stock control skills gained here to move into other retail or healthcare support jobs later. This is a good fit for matric holders in cities and towns with Clicks stores who want their first formal job in a structured environment with clear daily tasks and the chance to build basic workplace skills.

— ShiftMate · Clicks Group worker

Clicks Group operates over 900 stores nationwide and employs thousands of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and clinic nurses. Public reviews across HelloPeter, Indeed South Africa and Glassdoor show a consistent split: the company offers stable retail-pharmacy employment with clear operational systems, yet many healthcare staff report high pressure, variable management quality and limited compensation relative to workload. Store environments are fast-paced and target-driven. Pharmacists and assistants frequently describe long queues, strict script targets and pressure to sell front-shop items alongside dispensing. Reviews repeatedly note understaffing during peak periods, leading to extended shifts and weekend rosters that disrupt work-life balance. Management style varies sharply by region and store; some teams praise supportive pharmacy managers who shield staff from unrealistic KPIs, while others cite micromanagement, poor communication from regional offices and limited input on rostering. Culture is described as professional on the surface but retail-first underneath, with healthcare compliance sometimes clashing with sales expectations. Pay and benefits receive mixed feedback. Qualified pharmacists report salaries that sit around market average for retail chains, with medical aid and pension contributions included. Pharmacy assistants and clinic staff more often call entry and mid-level pay below expectations for the responsibility and hours. Staff discounts on Clicks products are a recurring positive, yet many note that annual increases have not kept pace with inflation or competitor offers in recent years. Overtime is sometimes unpaid or converted to time off that is difficult to take. Career growth exists mainly through internal promotion into store management or regional roles. The company runs structured learnerships and in-house training for pharmacy assistants, which several reviewers credit for gaining qualifications. However, progression beyond senior pharmacist or clinic sister is limited without relocating or moving into head-office functions. Training is practical and compliance-focused but criticised for lacking depth in clinical development. This employer suits healthcare workers who want predictable retail-pharmacy experience, structured training and job security in smaller towns or suburbs. It is less suitable for those prioritising competitive pay, predictable hours, strong clinical autonomy or rapid advancement outside retail operations. Candidates should verify current store staffing levels and management reputation before accepting an offer.